Electronic device, information processing system, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus, an information processing system, and an information processing method that can enable functions of firmware to be updated after securing the consent of a user to the functions.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus of the present invention is an electronic apparatus that can update firmware via a network, and comprises: an input unit that receives an operation; a display control unit that causes a display unit to display a first screen for displaying a first function of the firmware that can be installed in the electronic apparatus, and a second screen for displaying a plurality of second functions of the firmware for each of the second functions; a first enabling unit that enables the first function according to the operation through the input unit for the first function displayed on the first screen; and a second enabling unit that individually enables the second functions according to the operations through the input unit for the second functions displayed respectively on the second screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, an information processing system, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a technique for automatically updating applications and firmware in a multifunction peripheral (MFP), which is an example of an electronic device.

[0003] As a technology for automatically updating firmware, etc., a technology has been disclosed that automatically updates the required firmware when an application is installed on an MFP from an application market site, which is a website that distributes applications (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Also, a technique has been disclosed that automatically updates an MFP if an updatable application is available on an application market site (eg, Patent Document 2). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when firmware is automatically updated, functions are changed regardless of the user's intention, which causes a problem in that it is difficult for the user to understand what function changes have been made, leading to confusion.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an electronic device, an information processing system, and an information processing method that can enable a function of updated firmware after obtaining the user's consent to the function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an electronic device capable of acquiring firmware via a network, the electronic device comprising: an input unit for accepting operations; a display control unit for causing a display unit to display a first screen displaying a first function among functions of firmware that can be installed in the electronic device, and a second screen displaying a plurality of second functions different from the first function among the functions of the firmware, for each of the second functions; a first enabling unit for enabling the first function in response to an operation via the input unit for the first function displayed on the first screen; and a second enabling unit for individually enabling the second functions in response to an operation via the input unit for each of the second functions displayed on the second screen, the first function being: The functions already possessed by the electronic device The second function is a function that does not change the user interface. The functions already possessed by the electronic device The function is characterized by being a function for changing the user interface. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a function of the firmware to be updated can be enabled only after obtaining the user's consent to the function. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the application market server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of the functional configuration of firmware to be updated. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the home screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen showing an example of applications and firmware to be installed on an application site. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an installation screen for installing firmware. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the installation screen when the firmware has already been installed. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the automatic update setting screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the automatic activation setting screen. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the all-function activation setting screen. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation when performing installation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an electronic device, an information processing system, and an information processing method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and the components in the following embodiments include those that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the scope of what is called equivalent. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the following embodiments.

[0011] In addition, computer software refers to programs related to computer operation and other information used for computer processing that is equivalent to a program (hereinafter, computer software is referred to as software). Application software is a general term for software used to perform specific tasks. On the other hand, an operating system (OS) is software that controls a computer and allows application software and other software to use computer resources. An operating system performs basic management and control of a computer, such as input / output control, management of hardware such as memory and hard disks, and management of processes. Application software operates using the functions provided by the operating system. A program is an instruction to a computer that is combined to obtain a single result. In addition, something equivalent to a program refers to something that cannot be called a program because it is not a direct instruction to a computer, but has properties similar to a program in that it specifies computer processing. For example, a data structure (a logical structure of data expressed by the interrelationships between data elements) corresponds to something equivalent to a program.

[0012] In the following, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), which is an example of an image forming device, will be described as an example of an electronic device according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electronic device according to the present invention may be an information processing device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PC (Personal Computer), a consumer electronic device, an industrial machine, an embedded machine, or a medical device. Note that a multifunction peripheral (MFP) is a device having multiple different functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a printer function, and a fax function.

[0013] (Overall configuration of information processing system) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The overall configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0014] 1, the information processing system 1 includes an MFP 10, an application market server 20 (an example of a server), a contract management server 30, and a PC 40, which are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network N. Among these, the application market server 20 and the contract management server 30 are included in a cloud C as servers that provide cloud services.

[0015] The MFP 1 is an image forming apparatus that is an example of an electronic device capable of executing various functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a fax function, and a printer function.

[0016] The app market server 20 is a server that provides the MFP10 with a list screen of multiple applications (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as apps) and firmware that can be installed on the MFP10, and provides the cloud service of an app market site that allows the app or firmware selected by the user to be downloaded to the MFP10 and installed thereon.

[0017] The contract management server 30 is a server that provides a cloud service of a purchasing site that concludes a purchase contract with a logged-in user for paid applications and firmware, and manages the purchase contract status in association with a tenant ID, a user ID, and a device ID.

[0018] The PC 40 is an information processing device that communicates with the contract management server 30 via the network N and makes a purchase contract for a paid application or firmware to be installed on the MFP 10 .

[0019] The services provided by the application market site are not limited to being realized by a single application market server 20, but may be realized, for example, in a distributed manner by a plurality of server devices. The same applies to the purchase site of the contract management server 30.

[0020] (MFP hardware configuration) 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP according to the embodiment, and the hardware configuration of the MFP 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0021] 2, MFP 10 includes an operation unit 11 that accepts user operations, and a main body unit 12 that realizes various image forming functions such as a scanner function and a printer function. Here, accepting a user operation is a concept that includes accepting information (including signals indicating screen coordinate values, etc.) input in response to the user operation.

[0022] The operation unit 11 and the main body unit 12 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a dedicated communication path 13. The communication path 13 may be, for example, one conforming to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, but is not limited thereto, and may be one conforming to any standard, whether wired or wireless. The main body unit 12 performs an operation according to an operation received by the operation unit 11. The main body unit 12 can also communicate with an external device, and can also perform an operation according to an instruction received from the external device.

[0023] <Hardware configuration of the operation unit> As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 811, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 812, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 813, a flash memory 814, an operation panel 815, a connection I / F 816, a communication I / F 817, and a bus 818.

[0024] The CPU 811 is a calculation device that comprehensively controls the operation of the operation unit 11. The CPU 811 controls the operation of the entire operation unit 11 by executing programs stored in the ROM 812, the flash memory 814, or the like using the RAM 813 as a work area. For example, the CPU 811 realizes various functions such as displaying information (images) corresponding to inputs received from a user on the operation panel 815.

[0025] The ROM 812 is a non-volatile memory that stores, for example, a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) executed when the operation unit 811 is started up, various settings, etc. The RAM 813 is a volatile memory used as a work area, etc. for the CPU 811. The flash memory 814 is a non-volatile storage device that stores, for example, an OS (Operating System), application programs, various data, etc.

[0026] The operation panel 815 is a device having an input function and a display function that accepts various inputs according to user operations and displays various information (for example, information according to the accepted operations, information indicating the operating status of the MFP 10, and setting information). The operation panel 815 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) equipped with a touch panel function. Note that the operation panel 815 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and may be configured, for example, by an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display device equipped with a touch panel function. Furthermore, the operation panel 815 may be provided with an operation unit such as hardware keys or a display unit such as a lamp in addition to or instead of the touch panel function.

[0027] The connection I / F 816 is an interface for communicating with the main body unit 12 via the communication path 13 .

[0028] The communication I / F 817 is a network interface for connecting the operation unit 11 to a network N and communicating with an external device connected to the network N. The communication I / F 817 is, for example, an interface compatible with Ethernet (registered trademark) and capable of communication in accordance with TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / IP (Internet Protocol) or the like.

[0029] The bus 818 is a transmission path that connects the above-mentioned components to each other and transmits address signals, data signals, various control signals, and the like.

[0030] It should be noted that the hardware configuration of the operation unit 11 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and the operation unit 11 may include components other than those shown in FIG.

[0031] <Hardware configuration of the main unit> As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 12 includes a CPU 821, a ROM 822, a RAM 823, a storage 824, a scanner engine 825, a printer engine 826, a connection I / F 827, a communication I / F 828, and a bus 829.

[0032] The CPU 821 is a calculation device that performs overall control of the operation of the main body unit 12. The CPU 821 executes programs stored in the ROM 822 or the storage 824, etc., using the RAM 823 as a work area, thereby controlling the operation of the entire main body unit 12. For example, the CPU 821 realizes various functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a fax function, and a printer function.

[0033] The ROM 822 is a non-volatile memory that stores, for example, a BIOS executed when the main body unit 12 is started, various settings, etc. The RAM 823 is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU 821, etc. The storage 824 is a non-volatile storage device that stores, for example, an OS, application programs, various data, etc. The storage 824 is configured, for example, with a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0034] The scanner engine 825 is hardware that performs general-purpose information processing and processing other than communication to realize a scanner function of scanning an original and reading it as an image among the image forming functions. The printer engine 826 is hardware that performs general-purpose information processing and processing other than communication to realize a printer function of printing on a print medium such as paper among the image forming functions.

[0035] The connection I / F 827 is an interface for communicating with the operation unit 11 via the communication path 13 .

[0036] The communication I / F 828 is a network interface for connecting the main body unit 12 to a network N and communicating with an external device connected to the network N. The communication I / F 828 is, for example, an interface compatible with Ethernet and capable of communication compliant with TCP / IP or the like.

[0037] The bus 829 is a transmission path that connects the above-mentioned components to each other and transmits address signals, data signals, various control signals, and the like.

[0038] Note that the hardware configuration of the main body unit 12 shown in Fig. 2 is an example, and may include components other than those shown in Fig. 2. For example, specific options such as a finisher that sorts printed media or an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) that automatically feeds documents may be included.

[0039] (Hardware configuration of application market servers, etc.) 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the application market server according to the embodiment. The hardware configuration of the application market server 20 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the application market server 20 includes a CPU 901, a ROM 902, a RAM 903, an auxiliary storage device 905, a media drive 907, a display 908, a network I / F 909, a keyboard 911, a mouse 912, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive 914.

[0041] The CPU 901 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the application market server 20. The ROM 902 is a non-volatile storage device that stores programs for the application market server 20. The RAM 903 is a volatile storage device that is used as a work area for the CPU 901.

[0042] The auxiliary storage device 905 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD that stores images and the like read by the MFP 10 using a scan function. The media drive 907 is a device that controls reading and writing of data from and to a recording medium 906 such as a flash memory under the control of the CPU 901.

[0043] The display 908 is a display device configured with a liquid crystal or organic electroluminescence (EL) display for displaying various information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, characters, or an image.

[0044] The network I / F 909 is an interface for communicating data with an external device such as the MFP 10 by using the network N. The network I / F 909 is, for example, a network interface card (NIC) that supports Ethernet and is capable of communication compliant with TCP / IP or the like.

[0045] The keyboard 911 is an input device for selecting letters, numbers, and various instructions, moving the cursor, etc. The mouse 912 is an input device for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving the cursor, etc.

[0046] The DVD drive 914 is a device that controls reading and writing of data from and to a DVD 913 such as a DVD-ROM or a Digital Versatile Disk Recordable (DVD-R) as an example of a removable storage medium.

[0047] The above-mentioned CPU 901, ROM 902, RAM 903, auxiliary storage device 905, media drive 907, display 908, network I / F 909, keyboard 911, mouse 912 and DVD drive 914 are communicatively connected to each other via a bus line 910 such as an address bus and a data bus.

[0048] It should be noted that the hardware configuration of the application market server 20 shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and it is not necessary for the application market server 20 to include all of the components shown in FIG. 3, or it may include other components.

[0049] Also, the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 3 has been described as the hardware configuration of the application market server 20, but the hardware configurations of the contract management server 30 and the PC 40 also conform to the hardware configuration shown in FIG.

[0050] (Software configuration for information processing systems) Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a software configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of a functional configuration of firmware to be updated. The software configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, the operation unit 11 includes an application market application 51, a browser 52, and an operation unit system 53.

[0052] The application market application 51 is an application that provides a function of communicating with an application market site provided by the application market server 20 via a browser 52 and downloading an application or firmware in accordance with a user's operation.

[0053] The browser 52 is software that realizes functions such as web applications by obtaining web content (e.g., HTML (HyperText Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript (registered trademark), various electronic files, etc.) from the application market server 20.

[0054] The operation unit system 53 is software that controls the operation of the operation unit 11 other than the functions realized by the browser 52 .

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the main body unit 12 includes a main system 61, an image forming engine 62, and an image forming application 63.

[0056] The main body system 61 is software that controls the operation of the main body unit 12. The image forming engine 62 corresponds to the above-mentioned scanner engine 825 and printer engine 826. The image forming application 63 is an application that controls the operation of the image forming engine 62. For example, the image forming application 63 includes a copy application, a scanner application, a fax application, a printer application, and the like.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the ROM 822 is provided with a non-operational area 822b for temporarily storing firmware downloaded from the application market server 20 and holding it in a non-executing state, and an operation area 822a for storing firmware that actually controls the operations of the operation unit 11 and the main body unit 12. Of the functions of the firmware stored in the operation area 822a and actually executed, a software part that realizes an added function (first function) is referred to as an added function 64, and a software part that realizes a modified function (second function) is referred to as a modified function 65. Here, for example, the added function refers to a function provided by the firmware that does not affect the user's operability of the MFP 10. Examples of the added function include a reservation function for a copy operation and an interrupt function during a copy operation. Also, the modified function refers to a function provided by the firmware that affects the user's operability of the MFP 10 (for example, a function that changes the UI of the operation screen displayed on the display unit 112). An example of the modified function is an initial setting function that involves a change of the UI, for example.

[0058] Or, for example, an added function may be a new function provided for the first time in that version of firmware, or a main function that is a highlight to give added value to the firmware update itself for users. On the other hand, a modified function may be a function that modifies or corrects a function of a firmware of a past version. A user or administrator who is a user of the device selects a certain version of firmware from multiple versions listed on the operation unit of the device and updates the firmware from the installed version to the selected version. At that time, the added function is a new function or main function of the selected version of firmware, and a function description is displayed at the time of selection, so that the user can know the new functions all at once. On the other hand, modified functions are modifications of previous functions, so that the user must select them individually to avoid a sudden change to the user and a decrease in convenience.

[0059] For example, the firmware stored in the ROM 822 (working area 822a) has a functional configuration as shown in FIG. 5. That is, the functions newly provided by the firmware with the function version V1.0 shown in FIG. 5 include added functions (1), (2), ... and changed functions (1), (2), (3), .... As described later, in this embodiment, when the automatic activation setting is turned off and the all-function activation setting is turned off, when the target firmware is installed, the added functions are collectively displayed to the user by displaying a dialog box, and the user can select whether or not to activate the added functions. In addition, the changed functions are individually displayed to the user by displaying a dialog box, and the user can individually select whether or not to activate the changed functions. The operation of activating the added functions and changed functions will be described later. Here, activating the functions (added functions, changed functions) of the installed (updated) firmware may be referred to as activating hereinafter.

[0060] 4, the PC 40 has a browser 71. The browser 71 is software that realizes functions such as a Web application by acquiring Web content (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript, various electronic files, etc.) from the contract management server 30.

[0061] (Functional block configuration of information processing system) 6 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the functional block configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, the operation unit 11 of the MFP 10 in this embodiment has a UI (User Interface) unit 521 (an example of a display control unit), a list request unit 522, a screen request unit 523, an installation request unit 524, a UI unit 531 (an example of a display control unit), a setting unit 532, an input unit 111, a display unit 112, a communication unit 113, and a memory unit 114.

[0063] The UI unit 521 is a functional unit that displays, on the display unit 112, a Web page or the like corresponding to the content acquired from the application market server 20. The UI unit 521 also accepts various operations (e.g., pressing a link) on the Web page by a user's operation input to the input unit 111. The UI unit 521 is realized by the CPU 811 of the operation unit 11 shown in FIG. 2 executing the browser 52.

[0064] The list request unit 522 is a functional unit that requests the application market server 20 to list applications and firmware that can be installed in the MFP 10 in response to a user's operation input to the input unit 111. The list request unit 522 is realized by the CPU 811 of the operation unit 11 shown in FIG.

[0065] The screen request unit 523 is a functional unit that requests information on various screens to be displayed on the display unit 112 from the application market server 20 in response to a user's operation input to the input unit 111. The screen request unit 523 is realized by the CPU 811 of the operation unit 11 shown in FIG.

[0066] The installation request unit 524 is a functional unit that requests the application market server 20 to install designated firmware in response to a user's operation input to the input unit 111. Here, in this embodiment, "installation" of firmware is a concept that encompasses storing (updating) the firmware in the ROM 822 (specifically, the non-operational area 822b), storing the firmware in the operational area 822a to make it executable, and activating functions (additional functions, changeable functions) of the executable firmware. The installation request unit 524 is realized by the CPU 811 of the operation unit 11 shown in FIG. 2 executing the browser 52.

[0067] The UI unit 531 is a functional unit that displays a screen (for example, a home screen described later) for performing various operations of the MFP 10 on the display unit 112. The UI unit 531 is realized by the CPU 811 of the operation unit 11 shown in FIG.

[0068] The setting unit 532 is a functional unit that sets various setting values ​​in various setting screens (for example, an automatic update setting screen and an automatic activation setting screen described later) displayed on the display unit 112 in response to a user's operation input to the input unit 111. The setting unit 532 is realized by the CPU 811 of the operation unit 11 shown in FIG.

[0069] The input unit 111 is a functional unit that accepts operational input from a user. The input unit 111 is realized by the input function of the operation panel 815 shown in FIG.

[0070] Display unit 112 is a functional unit that displays various information in accordance with commands from UI unit 521 and UI unit 531. Display unit 112 is realized by the display function of operation panel 815 shown in FIG.

[0071] The communication unit 113 is a functional unit that performs data communication with the application market server 20 via the network N under the control of the browser 52. The communication unit 113 is realized by the communication I / F 817 and the CPU 811 shown in FIG. 2 executing a program.

[0072] The storage unit 114 is a functional unit that stores various data. For example, the storage unit 114 stores setting information set on an automatic update setting screen, an automatic activation setting screen, and an all-function activation setting screen, which will be described later. The storage unit 114 is realized by the RAM 813 or the flash memory 814 shown in FIG. 2.

[0073] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the main body unit 12 of the MFP 10 in this embodiment has a reservation unit 611, an update unit 612, a startup processing unit 613, a judgment unit 615, an activation confirmation unit 641, an activation processing unit 642 (an example of an activation unit, a first activation unit), an activation confirmation unit 651, and an activation processing unit 652 (an example of an activation unit, a second activation unit).

[0074] The reservation unit 611 is a functional unit that reserves the function of enabling an additional function of a functional version of firmware specified by a user after updating the firmware. Information on the function of the functional version reserved by the reservation unit 611 may be temporarily stored in, for example, the RAM 823 or the storage 824 shown in Fig. 2. The reservation unit 611 is realized by the CPU 821 of the main body unit 12 shown in Fig. 2 executing the main body system 61.

[0075] The update unit 612 is a functional unit that updates and stores the firmware downloaded from the application market server 20 via the communication unit 113 in the non-operational area 822b of the ROM 822 (an example of a storage unit) shown in Fig. 4. The update unit 612 is realized by the CPU 821 of the main body unit 12 shown in Fig. 2 executing the main body system 61.

[0076] The start-up processing unit 613 is a functional unit that copies the firmware updated in the non-operational area 822b of the ROM 822 by the update unit 612 to the operation area 822a when the MFP 10 is started (or restarted), and executes the firmware. As described later, even if the firmware stored in the operation area 822a is executed by the start-up processing unit 613, the additional functions and the modified functions of the firmware will not be activated unless the additional functions and the modified functions are activated by the user performing an installation operation (activation operation). Therefore, the user recognizes a screen that prompts the activation (activation) of each of the additional functions and the modified functions, and each function is activated only after the activation process by the above-mentioned installation operation. The start-up processing unit 613 is realized by the CPU 821 of the main body unit 12 shown in FIG. 2 executing the main body system 61.

[0077] For example, even if an additional function or a modified function is activated and each function of the additional function or modified function is in a state of being exercised, setting information may be provided that determines whether or not the function is actually exercised. For example, even if a modified function is activated, if the setting information for the modified function is set to not be exercised, the modified function is not exercised, and if the setting information is set to be exercised, the modified function is exercised for the first time.

[0078] The activation management unit 614 is a function unit that manages the maximum function version (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the maximum function version) of the additional function that can be activated in the currently installed and executable firmware, and the function version (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the current function version) of the additional function that is activated in the currently installed and executable firmware. Here, when the function version of the firmware is V1.0, the function version of the additional function is also V1.0, and the function version of the changed function is also V1.0. For example, when the firmware of "FW V1.2" is installed in an executable state, the maximum function version is V1.2. That is, when the firmware of "FW V1.2" has an additional function with a function version of V1.2 and the additional function is activated, the function version corresponding to the activated additional function is V1.2, which is the maximum function version. Also, for example, when firmware "FW V1.2" is installed in an executable manner on MFP10, the maximum function version is V1.2, but if only additional functions up to V1.1 have been activated in the firmware, the current function version will be V1.1.

[0079] The activation management unit 614 further manages which changed function of which function version is activated. The activation management unit 614 is realized by the CPU 821 of the main body unit 12 shown in FIG.

[0080] The determination unit 615 is a functional unit that compares and determines the function version of the firmware specified by the user, the maximum function version, and the current function version. The determination unit 615 is realized by the CPU 821 of the main body unit 12 shown in FIG. 2 executing the main body system 61.

[0081] The activation confirmation unit 641 is a functional unit that confirms whether or not an instruction to activate the current function version at that time in the MFP 10 and an additional function of a function version equal to or higher than the current function version has been issued. The activation confirmation unit 641 is realized by executing the additional function 64 of the firmware that is installed in an executable manner in the main body unit 12 shown in FIG.

[0082] The activation processing unit 642 is a functional unit that activates an additional function of the firmware of a specified function version in accordance with an installation (activation) operation by a user on the input unit 111. The activation processing unit 642 is realized by executing the additional function 64 of the firmware that is installed in an executable manner in the main body unit 12 shown in FIG.

[0083] The activation confirmation unit 651 is a functional unit that confirms the currently activated changed function and its version, and the activation state of the changed function corresponding to the function version of the newly activated added function. The activation confirmation unit 651 is realized by executing the firmware change function 65 that is executablely installed in the main body unit 12 shown in FIG.

[0084] The activation processing unit 652 is a functional unit that activates each change function of the firmware of a specified function version in accordance with an installation (activation) operation by a user on the input unit 111. The activation processing unit 652 is realized by executing the firmware change function 65 that is executablely installed in the main body unit 12 shown in FIG.

[0085] In this way, the latest functions can be added to an electronic device, such as the MFP 10, by updating pre-installed firmware and applications. In this embodiment, this mechanism is referred to as ACT (Always Current Technology). An electronic device equipped with the ACT function can acquire the latest functions that were not installed at the time of purchase as a firmware package via the network N and add the functions to the electronic device. In addition, the firmware package for adding functions via the network N is updated and released as needed on the application market server 20 from which the firmware package is acquired. Therefore, the time lag from the development of a function to be added to the electronic device to the installation of the function can be reduced, and the new function can be added to the electronic device in a timely manner. In addition, the cost to the user of replacing the electronic device itself to use the new function can be reduced.

[0086] Note that the functions of each of the functional units of the operation unit 11 and the main body unit 12 of the MFP 10 shown in Fig. 6 are conceptually shown, and are not limited to such a configuration. For example, the multiple functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the MFP 10 shown in Fig. 6 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, the function of one functional unit in the MFP 10 shown in Fig. 6 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units.

[0087] Also, for example, in the operation unit 11, the functional units realized by the browser 52 and the functional units realized by the operation unit system 53 do not need to be clearly distinguished, and the functional units realized by the browser 52 may be realized by the operation unit system 53, or vice versa. Also, software different from the browser 52 and the operation unit system 53 may realize each functional unit.

[0088] Also, the activation confirmation unit 641 and the activation processing unit 642 are functional units realized by the additional function 64, but are not limited to this, and software (for example, the main system 61) different from the additional function 64 may have the functions of the activation confirmation unit 641 and the activation processing unit 642. The same applies to the activation confirmation unit 651 and the activation processing unit 652.

[0089] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the application market server 20 according to this embodiment includes a list response unit 201, a screen response unit 202, a specified version response unit 204, a communication unit 205 (transmission unit), and a memory unit 206.

[0090] List response unit 201 is a functional unit that generates a list of apps and firmware that can be installed on MFP 10 in response to a request from list request unit 522 of MFP 10, and transmits the list to MFP 10 via communication unit 205. List response unit 201 is realized by CPU 901 shown in FIG. 3 executing a program.

[0091] The screen response unit 202 is a functional unit that transmits information on various screens (e.g., a home screen) to the MFP 10 via the communication unit 205 in response to a request from the screen request unit 523 of the MFP 10. The screen response unit 202 is realized by the CPU 901 shown in FIG. 3 executing a program.

[0092] Designated version response unit 204 is a functional unit that responds to main body system 61 of MFP 10 with the function version of firmware requested to be installed by installation request unit 524 of MFP 10. Designated version response unit 204 is realized by CPU 901 shown in FIG. 3 executing a program.

[0093] The communication unit 205 is a functional unit that performs data communication with the MFP 10 and the contract management server 30 via the network N. The communication unit 205 is realized by the network I / F 909 and the CPU 901 shown in FIG.

[0094] The storage unit 206 is a functional unit that stores applications, various firmware programs, and packages combining these, etc. The storage unit 206 is realized by the auxiliary storage device 905 shown in FIG.

[0095] Note that the functional units of the application market server 20 shown in Fig. 6 are conceptually shown, and are not limited to such a configuration. For example, the multiple functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the application market server 20 shown in Fig. 6 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, the function of one functional unit in the application market server 20 shown in Fig. 6 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units.

[0096] Furthermore, among the functional units in the MFP 10 and the application market server 20 shown in FIG. 6, the functional units that are realized by executing various software are not limited to this, and at least any of the functional units may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit (integrated circuit, etc.).

[0097] (Examples of screens and screen transitions displayed on MFP10) 7 to 9 are diagrams showing an example of screen transitions. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen showing an example of applications and firmware to be installed on an application site. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an installation screen for installing firmware. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an installation screen in the case where firmware has already been installed. With reference to FIGS. 7 to 13, the flow of screen transitions and screens displayed on the MFP 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0098] First, a transition operation from a home screen 1000 to a screen for activating an additional function and a changed function will be described with reference to FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, a home screen 1000 displayed on the display unit 112 of the MFP 10 includes an application site button 1002 for displaying a list screen (described later) showing a list of applications and firmware that can be installed on the MFP 10, and a widget 1003. The widget 1003 is a display area and a button for displaying the latest information of the MFP 10, and in the example shown in FIG. 7, displays "latest information on software updates is available" to notify the user that some software can be updated. As shown in FIG. 10, the home screen 1000 has, for example, a copy button 1004a for executing a copy process, a scan button 1004b for executing a scan process, and a fax button 1004c for executing a fax process, in addition to the application site button 1002 and the widget 1003.

[0099] When the user presses the widget 1003, the UI unit 531 displays a notification dialog box 150. 0 The display unit 112 displays the image.

[0100] The notification dialog box 1500 is a screen that displays what firmware can be specifically installed (or activated). For example, the notification dialog box 1500 is a screen for installing (or activating) firmware with the newest function version. As shown in Fig. 7, the notification dialog box 1500 includes a screenshot display section 1501, an explanation display section 1502, and a details button 1503. The notification dialog box 1500 shown in Fig. 7 displays firmware "FW V1.2".

[0101] The screen shot display section 1501 is a section for displaying a screen shot or the like of a screen showing the operating state of the firmware displayed in the notification dialog box 1500. The explanation display section 1502 is a display section for explaining the operation of the firmware. The details button 1503 is a button for displaying an installation screen for performing the installation (activation) operation of the firmware.

[0102] For example, as shown in Fig. 7, when the user presses a details button 1503 to install the firmware "FW V1.2", the UI unit 521 displays an installation screen 1300 (an example of a first screen) for installing the firmware on the display unit 112. As shown in Fig. 12, the installation screen 1300 includes a screenshot display unit 1301 showing a state in which the firmware is operating, an explanation display unit 1302 explaining specific functions (additional functions, changed functions) of the firmware, a details link unit 1303 for transitioning to a screen displaying details of the functions of the firmware, and an install button 1304 for performing an installation process (or an activation process).

[0103] In this way, the user can check the contents of the functions (additional functions, changeable functions) of the firmware explained on each screen by checking the contents of the notification dialog box 1500 and the installation screen 1300. After checking, the user can first determine whether or not to activate the additional functions of the firmware.

[0104] Then, as shown in FIG. 7, when the user presses the install button 1304 to install the firmware "FW V1.2", the activation processing unit 642 activates the additional functions of the firmware through various processes (described later in FIG. 17), and the UI unit 531 displays a change function dialog box 1510 (an example of a second screen) for activating each change function on the display unit 112. That is, the user can select whether or not to activate the additional functions of the displayed firmware by operating the installation screen 1300. For example, if the additional functions are not to be activated, the activation processing unit 642 may press a close button or a cancel button on the installation screen 1300, and the UI unit 531 may display the change function dialog box 1510 on the display unit 112 without activating the additional functions.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 7, the change function dialog box 1510 is a screen for individually activating the change function of the firmware introduced in the notice dialog box 1500 and the installation screen 1300. The change function dialog box 1510 includes a screenshot display section 1511, an explanation display section 1512, a back button 1513a, a forward button 1513b, and an install button 1514. The screenshot display section 1511 is a section for displaying a screenshot or the like of a screen showing a state in which the change function of the firmware introduced in the notice dialog box 1500 or the like is operating. The explanation display section 1512 is a display section for explaining the operation of the change function of the firmware. The back button 1513a is a button for returning to the display of the change function dialog box of the change function that was displayed one time previously among one or more change functions of the firmware. The forward button 1513b is a button for proceeding to the display of the change function dialog box of the change function that should be displayed next among one or more change functions of the firmware. The Install button 1514 is a button for activating the modified function displayed in the modified function dialog box 1510 .

[0106] In this way, the user can check the specific contents of the modified functions of the firmware by checking the modified function dialog box 1510. After checking, the user can determine whether or not to activate each modified function of the firmware.

[0107] Then, as shown in Fig. 7, when the user presses the install button 1514 to activate the modification function of the firmware "FW V1.2", the activation processing unit 652 activates the modification function of the firmware through various processes (described later in Fig. 17). That is, the user can select one of the modification functions of the firmware by operating the modification function dialog box 1510 and select whether or not to activate each of the modification functions. For example, when activating only some of a plurality of modification functions, the user can display the modification function dialog box corresponding to the target modification function and press the install button to activate it, and for the modification functions that are not to be activated, the user can close the modification function dialog box by pressing the close button (see Fig. 7) without performing the above-mentioned operation.

[0108] As described above, by pressing widget 1003 on home screen 1000, which displays the latest information for MFP 10, a notification dialog box 1500 is displayed that explains, for example, the latest firmware that can be installed (or activated). This allows the user to check the contents of the firmware and to activate additional functions and optional functions individually, simplifying the installation process.

[0109] Next, referring to FIG. 8, the screen transition operation when the additional functions are activated for the latest firmware introduced in the notification dialog box 1500 and then not all the change functions are activated in the change function dialog box 1510 that is displayed next will be described.

[0110] When the user presses widget 1003 on home screen 1000, UI unit 531 skips displaying notification dialog box 1500 and installation screen 1300 shown in Fig. 7 because the firmware addition functions described in widget 1003 have already been activated, and instead displays change function dialog box 1510 for change functions of the latest firmware that have not yet been activated. This allows the user to easily activate change functions of the latest firmware that have not yet been activated.

[0111] Next, with reference to Fig. 9, a transition operation from home screen 1000 to a screen for activating additional functions and changed functions will be described via a route different from the screen transition shown in Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 9, when an application site button 1002 on home screen 1000 displayed on display unit 112 of MFP 10 is pressed by a user, UI unit 521 causes display unit 112 to display list screen 1200 showing a list of a plurality of apps and firmware that can be installed on MFP 10.

[0112] The list screen 1200 is a screen that displays a list of a plurality of applications and firmware that can be installed in the MFP 10, and is displayed as a list of button icons for installing each application and button icons for installing each firmware. Here, the term "installable applications, etc." is not limited to applications that are not currently installed or activated, but is a concept that includes applications that have already been installed or activated. That is, the list screen 1200 displays a list without distinguishing between applications and firmware, and displays applications that can be updated and applications that have already been installed without distinguishing between applications that can be updated, applications that have already been installed but whose functions can be activated, and firmware that has already been installed and whose functions have been activated without distinguishing between applications that can be updated, applications that have already been installed but whose functions can be activated, and firmware that has already been installed and whose functions have been activated. The list screen 1200 shown in FIG. 11 includes, as buttons corresponding to firmware, a firmware button 1201a corresponding to "FW V1.0", a firmware button 1201b corresponding to "FW V1.1", a firmware button 1201c corresponding to "FW V1.2", and a firmware button 1201d corresponding to "FW V1.3". Furthermore, the list screen 1200 includes, as buttons for apps, an app button 1202a corresponding to "App A" and an app button 1202b corresponding to "App B." The list screen 1200 also includes a management button 1203 for making various settings.

[0113] The list screen 1200 may display only a list of applications and firmware that have not yet been installed, or firmware with function versions that have not yet been activated.

[0114] Then, the user presses the button of the firmware or application that the user desires to install from the list shown on the list screen 1200 displayed by the UI unit 521. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, when the user presses the firmware button 1201c to install the firmware "FW V1.2", the UI unit 521 causes the display unit 112 to display an installation screen 1300 for installing the firmware.

[0115] The layout and functions of the installation screen 1300 are as described above, but for example, as shown in Fig. 9, when the user touches the detail link section 1303, the UI section 521 causes the display section 112 to display a detail screen 1400 that displays the firmware functions in detail. The detail screen 1400 is a screen that displays detailed explanations of the functions newly added in "FW V1.2".

[0116] Here, we will explain the installation screen in detail. Assume that firmware with function version V1.0 is installed on the MFP10, and additional functions corresponding to function version V1.0 have been activated. In this case, the maximum function version is V1.0, and the current function version is also V1.0. Furthermore, it is assumed that all modified functions corresponding to function version V1.0 have also been activated.

[0117] At this time, when a firmware button 1201c for installing the firmware "FW V1.2" is pressed on the list screen 1200, an installation screen 1300 for the firmware "FW V1.2" shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.

[0118] Here, when the user presses the install button 1304, it becomes clear that the user wishes to use the functions of function version V1.2, so if the firmware "FW V1.2" is not yet installed, it is downloaded from the application market server 20 and installed, and the additional functions of function version V1.2 are activated.

[0119] Furthermore, when a firmware button 1201a is pressed on the list screen 1200 to install the firmware "FW V1.0", an installation screen 1320 of the firmware "FW V1.0" shown in Fig. 13 is displayed. As shown in Fig. 13, the installation screen 1320 includes a screenshot display section 1321, an explanation display section 1322, a detail link section 1323, and an installed display section 1324. The functions of the screenshot display section 1321, the explanation display section 1322, and the detail link section 1323 are similar to the functions of the screenshot display section 1301, the explanation display section 1302, and the detail link section 1303 of the installation screen 1300 described above. However, as described above, the state of the firmware of MFP 10 is that the maximum function version is V1.0, the current function version is also V1.0, and all modified functions of V1.0 have also been activated, so there is no need to install firmware of function version V1.0, and instead of the install button 1304 shown in Fig. 12, a message indicating that it has been installed is displayed in installed display area 1324. This allows the user to recognize that the firmware selected on list screen 1200 has already been installed, and that the functions (additional functions, modified functions) of the function version of that firmware have already been activated.

[0120] In addition, when the update and activation of the added functions and changed functions of the firmware displayed on the Widget 1003 are all completed, the display of the firmware on the Widget 1003 disappears. However, when activation of any of the added functions or changed functions is not completed, it may be problematic to display the firmware on the Widget 1003 forever. Therefore, if activation of all the added functions and changed functions is not completed for a certain period (e.g., one week) after the latest firmware is first displayed on the Widget 1003, the notification dialog box 1500 or the changed function dialog box 1510 may be displayed by a touch operation on the Widget 1003. After the certain period has elapsed, even if activation of all the functions of the latest firmware has not been completed, the notification dialog box 1500 and the changed function dialog box 1510 may not be displayed by a touch operation on the Widget 1003.

[0121] (Automatic renewal settings and automatic activation settings) Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an automatic update setting screen. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an automatic activation setting screen. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an all-function activation setting screen. The automatic firmware update setting, the automatic activation setting of firmware functions, and the all-function activation setting of firmware functions will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 16.

[0122] When the user presses the management button 1203 on the list screen 1200, the UI unit 531 displays the automatic update setting screen 1600 shown in Fig. 14, the automatic activation setting screen 1610 shown in Fig. 15, or the full function activation setting screen 1620 shown in Fig. 16 on the display unit 112. Note that the list screen 1200 may have a management button for displaying the automatic update setting screen 1600, the automatic activation setting screen 1610, or the full function activation setting screen 1620, respectively, or may display the automatic update setting screen 1600, the automatic activation setting screen 1610, or the full function activation setting screen 1620 when the management button 1203 is pressed, and may allow free transition between the automatic update setting screen 1600, the automatic activation setting screen 1610, and the full function activation setting screen 1620.

[0123] 14 is a screen for setting whether or not the MFP 10 automatically downloads and installs (updates) upgraded firmware from the application market server 20 when the firmware upgraded from the firmware installed in the MFP 10 is released in the application market server 20. When the user sets ON / OFF on the automatic update setting screen 1600 and then presses an OK button 1601, the setting unit 532 stores the setting information in the storage unit 114.

[0124] For example, when automatic firmware update setting is ON on automatic update setting screen 1600, when installation request unit 524 of MFP 10 receives notification from application market server 20 via communication unit 113 that upgraded firmware has been released, it automatically transmits an installation request for the firmware to application market server 20. Then, update unit 612 automatically downloads the firmware from application market server 20 via communication unit 113, and updates and stores the firmware in non-operational area 822b of ROM 822.

[0125] 15 is a screen for setting whether or not to automatically activate additional functions of the upgraded firmware when the upgraded firmware is installed in the MFP 10. When the user sets ON / OFF on the automatic activation setting screen 1610 and then presses an OK button 1611, the setting unit 532 stores the setting information in the storage unit 114.

[0126] For example, when automatic activation is turned off on the automatic activation setting screen 1610 and automatic update is turned on on the automatic update setting screen 1600, and the target firmware has already been automatically downloaded and updated on the installation screen, when install is pressed on the installation screen, only activation processing of the function of the firmware is executed by the activation processing unit 642. Also, when automatic activation is turned on on the automatic activation setting screen 1610 and automatic update is also turned on on the automatic update setting screen 1600, the installation request unit 524 automatically requests installation of the firmware, the update unit 612 automatically downloads the firmware and updates it to the non-operating area of ​​the ROM 822, and then the activation processing unit 642 automatically executes activation processing of the additional function of the firmware.

[0127] 16 is a screen for setting whether or not to automatically activate all modified functions of the firmware when an additional function of the firmware is activated. When the user sets ON / OFF on the all function activation setting screen 1620 and then presses an OK button 1621, the setting unit 532 stores the setting information in the storage unit 114.

[0128] For example, if the full function activation setting is ON on the full function activation setting screen 1620 and automatic activation is ON on the automatic activation setting screen 1610, when the additional functions are activated by pressing the install button 1304 on the notification dialog box 1500 and installation screen 1300 shown in FIG. 7, the activation processing unit 652 automatically executes the activation processing for all the changed functions as well.

[0129] (Installation and activation of firmware in information processing systems) 17 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation for executing installation. With reference to FIG. 17, a flow of operations for installing and activating firmware in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0130] <Steps S11 to S13> For example, when the MFP 10 is started, the activation confirmation unit 641 realized by the additional function 64 of the firmware installed at that time checks with the activation management unit 614 whether or not an instruction to activate the current function version of the MFP 10 at that time and an additional function of a function version equal to or higher than the current function version has been issued. In the example of Fig. 17, the activation confirmation unit 641 confirms that the current function version of the MFP 10 at that time is V1.0 and that an instruction to activate the additional function of a function version equal to or higher than the current function version has not been issued. In other words, the activation confirmation unit 641 checks that the additional function of a function version equal to or higher than the current function version is disabled, i.e., not activated.

[0131] <Steps S14 and S15> The user, via input unit 111 of MFP 10, goes through notification dialog box 1500, which is displayed by touching widget 1003 from home screen 1000, and presses detail button 1503 to display firmware installation screen 1300 of function version V1.1 introduced in notification dialog box 1500. Then, screen request unit 523 of MFP 10 transmits a display request for the firmware installation screen of function version V1.1 to application market server 20 via communication unit 113.

[0132] <Step S16> In response to a screen display request from the MFP 10, the screen response unit 202 of the application market server 20 transmits installation screen information for the firmware of function version V1.1 to the MFP 10 via the communication unit 205. Based on the installation screen information received from the application market server 20, the UI unit 521 of the MFP 10 causes the display unit 112 to display an installation screen for the firmware of function version V1.1.

[0133] <Steps S17 and S18> When the user presses the install button on the installation screen via input unit 111, installation request unit 524 of MFP 10 transmits an installation command requesting installation (including activation) of the specified firmware to application market server 20 via communication unit 113. In this way, by pressing the install button on the installation screen, it becomes clear that the user desires to use the function of the firmware of the confirmed functional version.

[0134] <Steps S19 to S22> The determination unit 615 of the MFP 10 determines whether the specified firmware function version (i.e., V1.1) (specified function version) is larger than the maximum function version. Here, the description assumes that the specified firmware function version is V1.1 and the maximum function version is V1.0. In this case, the currently installed firmware cannot support the additional functions of the specified firmware function version, and it will be necessary to update with the specified firmware.

[0135] In response to the installation command from the installation request unit 524, the designated version response unit 204 of the application market server 20 transmits the designated function version V1.1 of the firmware to the MFP 10 via the communication unit 205. The reservation unit 611 of the MFP 10 reserves the function version V1.1 of the firmware designated by the user for activating additional functions of the function version after updating the firmware. Information on the function of the function version reserved by the reservation unit 611 is temporarily stored in, for example, the RAM 823 or the storage 824 shown in FIG. 2. Then, the update unit 612 of the MFP 10 downloads the firmware of the designated function version V1.1 from the application market server 20 via the communication unit 113, and updates and stores the firmware in the non-operational area 822b of the ROM 822. Then, the startup processing unit 613 of the MFP 10 restarts the MFP 10 after the firmware is updated to the non-operational area 822b by the update unit 612.

[0136] <Steps S23 to S25> Next, at the time of restart, the start processing unit 613 copies the firmware updated by the update unit 612 to the non-operational area 822b of the ROM 822 to the operation area 822a, and executes the firmware. That is, the start processing unit 613 starts up each of the additional function 64 and the change function 65 of the firmware copied to the operation area 822a. However, as described above, the additional function provided by the additional function 64 and the change function provided by the change function 65 cannot function unless they are activated, so at this point in time, the functions of the additional function 64 and the change function 65 are not yet in a state in which they can be used.

[0137] If the automatic update is set to ON on the automatic update setting screen 1600, the latest firmware has already been updated in the ROM 822, and therefore steps S20 to S25 are skipped.

[0138] <Steps S26 to S29> An activation confirmation unit 641 realized by additional function 64 of the installed firmware confirms whether or not an instruction to activate (enable) an additional function of a function version equal to or higher than the current function version V1.0 has been issued to the activation management unit 614. In the example of Fig. 17, it is assumed that the current function version of MFP 10 at that point in time is V1.0, and the activation confirmation unit 641 has confirmed that an instruction to activate an additional function of V1.1, which is a function version equal to or higher than the current function version, has been issued (for example, confirmation is made by a start command for additional function 64 in step S24).

[0139] Then, the activation processing unit 642 activates (enables) the additional function realized by the additional function 64.

[0140] If automatic update is set to ON on the automatic update setting screen 1600 and automatic activation is set to ON on the automatic activation setting screen 1610, the latest firmware is updated to the ROM 822, and the additional function is automatically activated when the firmware is executed. In this case, for example, if the user presses the install button on the installation screen in step S17, at least the processes of steps S20 to S29 may be skipped.

[0141] <Steps S30 and S31> The activation confirmation unit 651, which is realized by the additional function 64 of the installed firmware, confirms with the activation management unit 614 the changed functions that have not been activated at this point (including not only changed functions of function version V1.1 but also changed functions of older function versions).

[0142] <Step S32> Here, it is assumed that the activation check unit 651 has confirmed, as a result of checking with the activation management unit 614, that all update functions of the firmware of function version V1.1 are not activated (are disabled).

[0143] <Step S33> When the activation confirmation unit 651 confirms that the changed function of the function version V1.1 has not been activated, the activation processing unit 652 sends a display command to the UI unit 531 to display a changed function dialog box (second screen) (e.g., changed function dialog box 1510) corresponding to the changed function that has not been activated. The UI unit 531 causes the display unit 112 to display the changed function dialog box in accordance with the display command.

[0144] <Steps S34 and S35> When the user presses the install button in the change function dialog box via input unit 111, installation request unit 524 of MFP 10 sends an activation command requesting activation of the specified firmware change function to activation confirmation unit 651. In this way, by pressing the install button in the change function dialog box, it becomes clear that the user desires to use the firmware change function of the confirmed function version.

[0145] It should be noted that the change function shown in the change function dialog box does not necessarily have to be activated by the install button, and if the user does not need it, he or she can choose not to activate it by closing the change function dialog box or by operating the cancel button, etc. In this case, the processes of steps S35 to S37 are skipped.

[0146] <Steps S36 and S37> The activation confirmation unit 651 confirms that the activation command has been received, and that the activation (enabling) of the changed function of function version V1.1 shown in the changed function dialog box has been instructed. Then, the activation processing unit 652 activates (enables) the changed function realized by the changed function 65.

[0147] When full function activation is set to ON by the full function activation setting screen 1620, if it is confirmed in step S32 that there is a change function that has not been activated, the processes in steps S33 to S36 are skipped, and in step S37, the activation processing unit 652 activates all of the confirmed change functions.

[0148] The above-mentioned processes of steps S33 to S37 are repeated the number of times corresponding to the number of changed functions (including not only changed functions of function version V1.1 but also changed functions of older function versions) that have been confirmed to be not activated in step S32.

[0149] Through the above steps S11 to S37, the firmware is installed and activated.

[0150] As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, a screen (notification dialog box 1500, installation screen 1300, change function dialog box 1510, etc.) showing the firmware functions to be updated in the electronic device (e.g. 10) to be used is displayed to the user, so that the user can recognize each function (additional function, change function). Then, each function is activated by receiving an instruction for installation (including activation) from the user on the screen. This allows the function to be enabled after obtaining the user's consent regarding the function of the firmware to be updated, thereby avoiding a situation in which the function is changed regardless of the user's intention.

[0151] In addition, automatic update settings, automatic activation settings, and full function activation settings are possible, so that depending on the usage pattern desired by the user, it is possible to automatically update the firmware, automatically activate additional functions when the firmware is updated, and automatically activate all changed functions when an additional function is activated. This improves user convenience.

[0152] Furthermore, firmware that has not been updated or activated is displayed by the widget 1003 or the notification dialog box 1500 for a fixed period of time (for example, one week), thereby reducing the inconvenience to the user.

[0153] Each function of the above-mentioned embodiment can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and a device such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), an SoC (System on a Chip), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a conventional circuit module designed to execute each of the above-mentioned functions.

[0154] In the above-described embodiment, when at least one of the functional units of the MFP 10, the application market server 20, the contract management server 30, and the PC 40 is realized by executing a program, the program is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like. The programs executed by the MFP 10, the application market server 20, the contract management server 30, and the PC 40 according to the above-described embodiment may be provided by being recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable), a DVD, or a Secure Digital (SD) card in the form of an installable or executable file. The programs executed by the MFP 10, the application market server 20, the contract management server 30, and the PC 40 according to the above-described embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. The programs executed by the MFP 10, the application market server 20, the contract management server 30, and the PC 40 according to the above-described embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. In addition, the programs executed by the MFP 10, application market server 20, contract management server 30, and PC 40 in the above-mentioned embodiments have a modular structure including at least one of the functional units described above, and in terms of actual hardware, the CPU reads out the programs from the above-mentioned storage device and executes them, thereby loading and generating each of the above-mentioned functional units onto the main storage device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 MFP 11 Control section 12 Main body 13 Communication Channels 20 App Market Server 30 Contract Management Server 40 PC 51 App Market App 52 Browser 53 Operation System 61 Main System 62 Image forming engine 63 Imaging App 64 Additional Features 65 Change Features 71 Browsers 111 Input section 112 Display section 113 Communications Department 114 Storage section 201 List Response Section 202 Screen response section 204 Specified Version Response Section 205 Communications Department 206 Memory section 521 UI section 522 List Request Section 523 Screen request section 524 Installation Request Section 531 UI section 532 Settings 611 Reservations 612 Update Department 613 Startup Processing Section 614 Activation Management Department 615 Judgment section 641 Activation confirmation section 642 Activation Processing Unit 651 Activation confirmation section 652 Activation Processing Unit 811 CPU 812 ROM 813 RAM 814 Flash Memory 815 Operation Panel 816 Connection I / F 817 Communication I / F 818 Bus 821 CPU 822 ROM 822a Operating Area 822b Non-operating area 823 RAM 824 Storage 825 Scanner Engine 826 Printer Engine 827 Connection I / F 828 Communication I / F 829 Bus 901 CPU 902 ROM 903 RAM 905 Auxiliary storage device 906 Recording Media 907 Media Drive 908 Display 909 Network Interface 910 Bus Line 911 Keyboard 912 Mouse 913 DVD 914 DVD drive 1000 Home Screens 1002 Application Site Button 1003 Widgets 1004a Copy button 1004b Scanner button 1004c Fax button 1200 List screen 1201a~1201d Firmware buttons 1202a, 1202b App button 1203 Manage button 1300 Installation screen 1301 Screenshot display section 1302 Explanation display section 1303 Detailed Links 1304 Install button 1320 Installation screen 1321 Screenshot display section 1322 Explanation display section 1323 Detailed Links 1324 Installed Display 1400 Details screen 1500 Announcement Dialog Box 1501 Screenshot display section 1502 Explanation display section 1503 Details button 1510 Change Function Dialog Box 1511 Screenshot display section 1512 Explanation display section 1513a Return button 1513b Forward button 1514 Install button 1600 Automatic update setting screen 1601 OK button 1610 Automatic activation setting screen 1611 OK button 1620 Full function activation setting screen 1621 OK button C Cloud N Network [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0156] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-212855 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-198013 A

Claims

1. An electronic device capable of acquiring firmware via a network, An input unit that accepts operations; a display control unit that causes a display unit to display a first screen that displays a first function among functions of the firmware that can be installed in the electronic device, and a second screen that displays a plurality of second functions different from the first function among the functions of the firmware, for each of the second functions; a first enabling unit that enables a first function displayed on the first screen in response to an operation performed via the input unit on the first function; a second enabling unit that enables each of the second functions displayed on the second screen in response to an operation performed via the input unit on the second function; Equipped with the first function is a function that does not change a user interface of a function that the electronic device already has, the second function is a function of changing the user interface of a function that the electronic device already has, electronic equipment.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein, when there are a plurality of first functions, the first enabling unit enables the first functions collectively.

3. the first function is a function to be newly added to the electronic device, The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the second function is a function for changing a function possessed by the electronic device.

4. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit causes the second screen to be displayed on the display unit after the first function is enabled by the first enabling unit via the first screen.

5. a determination unit that determines which is larger between a designated function version, which is a function version of the firmware that is the target of an operation via the input unit, and a maximum function version, which is a maximum function version of the first function that can be enabled in firmware updated to the electronic device; an update unit that downloads the firmware displayed on the first screen from a server and updates the firmware in a storage unit when the determination unit determines that the specified function version is greater than the maximum function version in response to an operation performed on a function displayed on the first screen via the input unit; Further equipped with 5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first enabling unit enables the first function of the firmware updated by the update unit.

6. The electronic device described in claim 5, wherein the first activation unit activates the first function of firmware being updated to the electronic device when an operation is performed on a function displayed on the first screen via the input unit and the determination unit determines that the specified function version is equal to or lower than the maximum function version.

7. a setting unit that sets whether or not to automatically download and update the firmware when an upgraded firmware is released on the server in response to an operation on the input unit, The electronic device described in claim 5 or 6, wherein when the setting unit is set to automatically download and update upgraded firmware, when upgraded firmware is released on the server, the update unit automatically downloads the firmware from the server and updates it to the memory unit.

8. the setting unit sets, in response to an operation on the input unit, whether or not to automatically enable the first function of the firmware when a version of the firmware is updated to the electronic device; The electronic device described in claim 7, wherein the first activation unit automatically activates the first function of the firmware when the upgraded firmware is updated to the electronic device if the first activation unit is set to automatically activate the first function of the firmware at the time the upgraded firmware is updated by the setting unit.

9. the setting unit sets, in response to an operation on the input unit, whether or not to automatically enable all second functions of the firmware of the electronic device, the second functions being other than the first function and having no effect on operability, when the first function of the firmware of the electronic device is enabled; The electronic device described in claim 7 or 8, wherein, if a setting is made to automatically enable all of the second functions of the firmware at the time the first function of the firmware of the electronic device is enabled by the setting unit, the second enablement unit automatically enables all of the second functions of the firmware when the first function of the firmware of the electronic device is enabled by the first enablement unit.

10. The update unit stores the firmware downloaded from the server in a non-operational area of ​​the storage unit, The electronic device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, further comprising a startup processing unit that, when the electronic device is started up or restarted, transfers the firmware stored in the non-operational area by the update unit to the operation area of ​​the memory unit and executes the firmware stored in the operation area.

11. An information processing system having a server that manages firmware and an electronic device that can download and acquire firmware from the server via a network, The electronic device includes: An input unit that accepts operations; a display control unit that causes a display unit to display a first screen that displays a first function among functions of the firmware that can be installed in the electronic device, and a second screen that displays a plurality of second functions different from the first function among the functions of the firmware, for each of the second functions; a first enabling unit that enables a first function displayed on the first screen in response to an operation performed via the input unit on the first function; a second enabling unit that enables each of the second functions displayed on the second screen in response to an operation performed via the input unit on the second function; Equipped with The server, A storage unit that stores firmware to be provided to the electronic device; a transmission unit that transmits information of the first screen or the second screen, which displays functions of firmware that can be installed in the electronic device, to be displayed on the display unit; Equipped with the first function is a function that does not change a user interface of a function that the electronic device already has, the second function is a function of changing the user interface of a function that the electronic device already has, Information processing system.

12. An information processing method for an electronic device capable of acquiring firmware via a network, comprising: an input step for accepting an operation; a display control step of displaying on a display unit a first screen displaying a first function among functions of the firmware that can be installed in the electronic device, and a second screen displaying a plurality of second functions, each of which is different from the first function, among the functions of the firmware; a first enabling step of enabling a first function displayed on the first screen in response to the operation on the first function; a second enabling step of individually enabling the second functions displayed on the second screens in response to the operations on the second functions; having the first function is a function that does not change a user interface of a function that the electronic device already has, the second function is a function of changing the user interface of a function that the electronic device already has, Information processing methods.

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