System and Image Processing Device

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , ,

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

Background Art

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

[0003] Some MFPs have the above-described basic functions as standard functions, and additional functions other than the standard functions can be added有偿. Examples of additional functions include a scan-mail function of attaching image data read by the scan function to an e-mail and transmitting it, a scan-upload function of uploading image data read by the scan function to a server on the Internet, and a download-print function of downloading image data from a server on the Internet and printing (printing) it on a sheet by the print function.

[0004] Even if a user adds an additional function to the MFP, if the opportunity to use the additional function is small, the cost for adding the additional function is wasted. Therefore, a configuration has been proposed in which a trial mode with a limited number of uses or usage days of the additional function is provided, and the continued use of the additional function is allowed when the user requests the continued use of the additional function during or after the trial mode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-33333 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] If additional features can be tried free of charge under certain limitations, the user, for example, accesses the server from an external terminal such as a PC (personal computer) when starting the trial of the additional features and sends device information about the MFP (Multifunction Printer) on which the additional features are being tried, as well as user registration information, to the server. Then, if the user decides to purchase and use the additional features after the trial, the user accesses the server again from an external terminal and sends the device information and user registration information to the server again to obtain a license code from the server to use the additional features. After the license code is entered into the MFP, the additional features can be used for full purposes.

[0007] Therefore, when trying out or using additional features on an MFP, users need to enter both user information and device information, which is cumbersome for the user.

[0008] System and image processing apparatus exemplified as embodiments for carrying out the invention The purpose is to reduce the effort required for users to input information. like That is what it is. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the aforementioned objective, Examples of embodiments for carrying out the inventionThe image processing device comprises an image processing unit that performs at least one of a printing process that prints an image relating to image data onto a sheet and a reading process that reads an original image and acquires image data; a first communication unit that communicates with a server; a receiving unit that receives information; a storage unit; and a control unit that controls the image processing unit to perform either a standard function or a paid function. The storage unit stores device information relating to the image processing device and server address information. The control unit performs authentication processing relating to user information when user information is received by the receiving unit, and when request information relating to a paid function is received by the receiving unit, it transmits the device information stored in the storage unit to the server from the first communication unit using the address information stored in the storage unit, provided that the authentication process is successful.

[0010] In this configuration, the memory unit stores device information related to the image processing device and server address information. When user information about a user of the image processing device is received by the reception unit, and when request information related to paid functions is received by the reception unit, the user information and the device information stored in the memory unit are transmitted to the server identified by the address information stored in the memory unit, provided that the authentication process related to the user information is successful. Therefore, the user does not need to perform any input operations to have the device information received by the reception unit, thus saving the effort of inputting that device information. As a result, the convenience of the image processing device can be improved.

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

[0012] Configuration described in the embodiment for carrying out the invention According to this, it is possible to reduce the effort required for users to input information and improve the convenience of image processing devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of the MFP. [Figure 3A] This is a sequence diagram (part 1) of the paid function usage process. [Figure 3B] This is a sequence diagram (part 2) of the paid function usage process. [Figure 4A] This is a flowchart (part 1) showing the flow of processing executed by the function server during the paid function usage process. [Figure 4B] This is a flowchart (part 2) showing the flow of processing executed by the function server during the paid function usage process. [Figure 4C] This is a flowchart (part 3) showing the flow of processing executed by the function server during the paid function usage process.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0015] <Image Processing System> The image processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that enables有偿 addition of functions other than standard functions to an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) 2. The image processing system ¹ includes, in addition to the MFP 2, a function server 3 (an example of a server) and a user terminal 4.

[0016] The MFP 2 (an example of an image processing apparatus) is equipped with print, scan, fax, and copy functions as standard functions. The print function is a function of printing image data on a sheet. The scan function is a function of reading an image and generating image data. The fax function is a function of transmitting and receiving image data via a public telephone line. The copy function is a function of reading the image of a document and printing the image on a sheet.

[0017] The MFP2 is a network-compatible device and is used by connecting to a LAN (Local Area Network) 5. The LAN 5 is connected to the Internet 6. The functions that can be added to the MFP2 are paid functions realized by the cooperation between the standard functions and the communication via the LAN 5. The paid functions include, for example, an Internet fax function, a scan upload function, and a download print function. The Internet fax function is a function of receiving an e-mail from an external device, printing the image data attached to the e-mail on a sheet, and also attaching the image data to an e-mail and sending the e-mail to an external device. The scan upload function is a function of reading an image by executing a scan job using the scan function and uploading the read image data to a specified server. The download print function is a function of downloading image data from a specified server and printing the image data on a sheet by the print function.

[0018] In addition, as a discharge destination of the sheet on which an image is printed, in addition to the standard discharge tray, the MFP2 is provided with, for example, five mailboxes MB1, MB2, MB3, MB4, MB5 (hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish, denoted as "mailbox MB"). The mailbox MB is an optional device additionally installed in the MFP2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0025] The MFP2 also includes an operation panel 23. The operation panel 23 is equipped with an operation unit 24 and a display unit 25.

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

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

[0028] The operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 may constitute a touch panel. The display unit 25, which constitutes a touch panel, displays various information and images such as operation buttons. When a user presses (touches) an operation button displayed on the display unit 25, the operation is received by the operation unit 24, and a signal (data) corresponding to the content of the operation is output from the operation panel 23. The following discussion will focus on the case where the operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 constitute a touch panel.

[0029] Furthermore, the MFP2 includes a LAN interface (I / F) 26, a FAX interface (I / F) 27, and a control unit 28.

[0030] LAN interface 26 (an example of the first communication unit and reception unit) is an interface for connecting to LAN2.

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

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

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

[0034] The ASIC31 incorporates a CPU34 (an example of a control unit and device control unit). Signals output from the operation panel23 are input to the ASIC31. Based on the signals input to the ASIC31, the CPU34 executes a program stored in the ROM32 to control each part, including the reading unit21, printing unit22, operation unit24, display unit25, LAN interface26, and FAX interface27.

[0035] ROM32 consists of rewritable non-volatile memory such as flash memory. ROM32 stores programs executed by the CPU34 and various data. ROM32 also stores device information related to the MFP2. This device information includes, for example, the MFP2 model name, serial number, whether or not an error has occurred, information on optional equipment installed on the MFP2, and language information based on user settings or factory defaults. Optional equipment information includes whether or not a mailbox MB is installed, the number of mailbox MBs if installed, whether or not a card reader for reading information from IC cards via NFC (Near Field Communication) is installed, and whether or not a barcode reader is installed. Furthermore, ROM32 stores the address information of the function server 3.

[0036] RAM33 is volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and is used as a work area when the CPU34 executes programs.

[0037] <Processing for using paid features> Paid features are functions that can be added to MFP2 for a fee, but users can try them out free of charge for a limited trial period.

[0038] When a user tries out a paid feature, they use the web browser on user terminal 4 to access the website of the server (EWS: Embedded Web Server) embedded in MFP2. The homepage of this website displays several buttons, including a list button that requests a list of available paid features for trial. The user can operate user terminal 4, for example, by clicking the list button with the mouse pointer, to select the request to display the list of available paid features, as shown in Figure 3A.

[0039] When the list display button is pressed, the web browser screen switches from the top page to the login page. When the user operates user terminal 4 and enters the user ID and password on the login page, a connection request is sent from MFP2 to function server 3. The ROM 32 of MFP2 stores the address information of function server 3. In addition, for user authentication (server authentication) by function server 3, the user ID and password entered on the login page are sent from MFP2 to function server 3.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4A, when the CPU 11 of the function server 3 receives a connection request from the MFP2 (S11:YES), it performs connection authentication using the user ID and password received following the connection request (S12). Specifically, an authentication database is built in the ROM 12 of the function server 3. The authentication database registers the user IDs and passwords of users who can use paid functions in association with each other. In connection authentication, the CPU 11 checks whether the combination of user ID and password received from the MFP2 is registered in the authentication database.

[0041] If the combination of user ID and password is registered in the authentication database, connection authentication is successful; if the combination of user ID and password is not registered in the authentication database, connection authentication fails. If connection authentication is successful (S13:YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends a connection response to the MFP2 allowing the connection from the MFP2 to the function server 3 (S14). On the other hand, if connection authentication fails (S13:NO), the CPU 11 rejects the connection from the MFP2 to the function server 3.

[0042] After sending the connection response, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the connection request from MFP2 is a connection request for trial registration of a paid function (an example of request information) (S15). Whether or not it is a connection request for trial registration can be determined by whether the connection request was received before connection authentication or whether a notification of continued use of the function, described later, was received. In other words, if the CPU 11 receives the connection request before connection authentication, it determines that the connection request is a connection request for trial registration, and if it receives a notification of continued use of the function before connection authentication, it determines that the connection request is not a connection request for trial registration.

[0043] If the connection request from MFP2 to function server 3 is a connection request for trial registration of a paid function (S15: YES), the CPU 11 of function server 3 waits to receive device information from MFP2 (S16).

[0044] On the other hand, when MFP2 receives a connection response from function server 3, the CPU 34 of MFP2's ASIC 31 transmits the device information stored in ROM 32 to function server 3 via LAN interface 26, as shown in Figure 3A.

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

[0046] After creating a list of available paid features, the CPU 11 of the feature server 3 sends an instruction to the MFP2 to display the created list (S18). Upon receiving this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 displays, as shown in Figure 3A, a feature selection page on the web browser screen that accesses the server built into the MFP2, along with a list of available paid features for the user to try, allowing the user to select one of the paid features included in the list.

[0047] The user operates the user terminal 4 to select a paid function they wish to try on the function selection page. Once a paid function is selected, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 notifies the function server 3 of the selected paid function. As shown in Figures 3A and 4A, when the function server 3 receives notification of a paid function selected by the user (S19: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the notified paid function can be enabled on the MFP2 (S20), as shown in Figure 4B.

[0048] The following section will cover the case where the user chooses to use the Internet fax function.

[0049] For example, if the Internet fax function selected by the user has been previously tried on MFP2, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines that the Internet fax function cannot be enabled (S20: NO). In this case, the CPU 11 notifies MFP2 of the error (S21) and terminates this series of processes. In response to the error notification from the function server 3, the CPU 34 of MFP2 displays an error notification page on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into MFP2.

[0050] If the Internet fax function selected by the user can be enabled on the MFP2 (S20: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends a notification to the MFP2 to enable the Internet fax function, as shown in Figures 3A and 4B (S22).

[0051] When MFP2 receives this activation notification, its CPU 34 enables the Internet fax function for trial use, as shown in Figure 3A, and begins counting down the trial period.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4B, the CPU 11 of the functional server 3 checks whether a user is logged into the MFP2 (S23) and whether a mailbox MB is installed in the MFP2 (S24). If a user is logged into the MFP2 (S23: YES) and a mailbox MB is installed in the MFP2 (S24: YES), the CPU 11 of the functional server 3 sends an instruction to the MFP2 to display a screen for selecting one of the mailbox MBs (S25). Upon receiving this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 displays a mailbox selection page on the web browser screen that accesses the server built into the MFP2, as shown in Figure 3A, allowing the user to select a mailbox MB.

[0053] The user operates the user terminal 4 to select one of the mailbox MBs installed in the MFP2 on the mailbox selection page. Once a mailbox MB is selected, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 notifies the function server 3 which mailbox MB was selected. When the function server 3 receives this notification (S26:YES), as shown in Figures 3A and 4B, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends an instruction to the MFP2 to set the notified mailbox MB as the mailbox MB for the logged-in user (S27).

[0054] Subsequently, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 registers the device information received from MFP2 in ROM 12, associating it with user information (user ID) (S28). As a result, MFP2 is registered as a device that has already tested the Internet fax function (trial registration).

[0055] Then, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends a notification to the MFP2 indicating that the trial registration for the MFP2 has been completed (S29), and terminates the series of processes. When the MFP2 receives this notification, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 displays a page on the web browser screen that accesses the server built into the MFP2, as shown in Figure 3B, informing the user that the trial registration for the MFP2 has been completed.

[0056] After a predetermined period has elapsed since the activation of the Internet fax function, and the countdown for the trial period of the Internet fax function has ended, the CPU34 of MFP2 detects that the trial period for the Internet fax function has ended.

[0057] After the trial period for the Internet fax function ends, when a user accesses the website of the server built into the MFP2 using the web browser on user terminal 4, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 displays a trial period end notification page on the web browser screen accessing the server built into the MFP2, notifying the user that the trial period for the Internet fax function has ended and asking if they wish to continue using the Internet fax function. When the user operates user terminal 4 and selects to continue using the Internet fax function on the trial period end notification page, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 switches the web browser screen from the trial period end notification page to the login page. When the user operates user terminal 4 and enters their user ID and password on the login page, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 sends a notification of continued use of the function to the function server 3. In addition, for user authentication by the function server 3, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 sends the user ID and password entered on the login page from the MFP2 to the function server 3.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4A, when the CPU 11 of the function server 3 receives a notification from the MFP2 for continued use of the function, it determines that this is a connection request based on the notification (S11:YES) and performs connection authentication using the user ID and password received following the connection request (S12). If the connection authentication is successful (S13:YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends a connection response to the MFP2 authorizing the connection from the MFP2 to the function server 3 (S14).

[0059] After sending the connection response, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the connection request from MFP2 is a connection request for trial registration of a paid function (S15). Since the connection request is a connection request due to notification of continued use of the function, the CPU 11 determines that it is not a connection request for trial registration of a paid function (S15: NO). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether the connection request from MFP2 is a connection request for formal registration of use of the Internet fax function (an example of request information) (S30).

[0060] If the connection request from MFP2 to function server 3 is not a connection request for formal registration of use of the Internet fax function (S30: NO), the CPU 11 of function server 3 rejects the connection from MFP2 to function server 3.

[0061] If the connection request from MFP2 to the function server 3 is a connection request for formal registration of the Internet fax function (S30: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether or not MFP2 has already been registered for trial use (S31).

[0062] If MFP2 is not registered for trial use (S31:NO), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 instructs MFP2 to send device information and waits for the device information to be received from MFP2 (S32).

[0063] If MFP2 is registered for trial use (S31:YES), or if device information is received from MFP2 (S32:YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends an instruction to MFP2 to display a payment information input page that requests the user to enter payment information (S33). Upon receiving this instruction, the CPU 34 of MFP2 displays the payment information input page on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into MFP2, as shown in Figure 3B.

[0064] When a user operates the user terminal 4 and enters information regarding payment by credit card or IC card on the payment information input page, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 notifies the function server 3 of the entered payment information.

[0065] When the functional server 3 receives payment information notification from the MFP2 (S34:YES), the CPU 11 of the functional server 3 determines whether the user's payment by credit card or the like is valid, as shown in Figures 3B and 4C. If the payment is valid, it approves the payment (S35:Payment Processing).

[0066] Then, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 creates the receipt in PDF format (S36). At this time, the CPU 11 refers to the device information and creates the receipt in the language used by the MFP2 based on the language information contained in the device information.

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

[0068] Subsequently, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 confirms from the device information of MFP2 that the MFP2 is able to use its print function (S38).

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

[0070] When the user operates the user terminal 4 and selects to print the receipt on the receipt print confirmation page, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 sends a notification to the function server 3 that printing the receipt has been selected.

[0071] As shown in Figures 3B and 4C, when the CPU 11 of the function server 3 receives notification from the MFP2 that printing of the receipt has been selected (S40: YES), it sends an instruction to print the receipt to the MFP2 (S41). Then, the CPU 11 registers the MFP2 in the ROM 12 as a device that can officially use the Internet fax function (S42), and terminates this series of processes.

[0072] As shown in Figure 3B, when the MFP2 receives a print instruction for a receipt from the function server 3, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 controls the printing unit 22 to print the receipt. The CPU 34 also displays a registration success notification page on the web browser screen that accesses the server built into the MFP2, informing the user that the MFP2 has been officially registered as a device capable of using the Internet fax function, and then terminates the series of processes.

[0073] If MFP2 is unable to use its printing function due to an error or other reason (S38:NO), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether or not the user's email address is registered as user information (S43).

[0074] If the email address is already registered (S43:YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends an instruction to the MFP2 to display a receipt sending permission page to confirm permission to send the receipt as an email attachment. Upon receiving this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 displays the receipt sending permission page on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server built into the MFP2.

[0075] When the user operates the user terminal 4 and authorizes the sending of the receipt on the receipt sending authorization page, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 sends a notification to the function server 3 indicating that the sending of the receipt has been authorized.

[0076] When the CPU 11 of the function server 3 receives notification from the MFP2 that it has been authorized to send the receipt (S44: YES), it attaches the receipt to an email and sends it to the user's email address (S45). Then, the CPU 11 registers the MFP2 in the ROM 12 as a device that can officially use the Internet fax function (S42), and terminates this series of processes.

[0077] If the user's email address is not registered (S43: NO), or if the user refuses to send the receipt on the receipt sending permission page and the function server 3 receives notification to that effect from the MFP2 (S44: NO), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sends an instruction to the MFP2 to display an email address input page requesting the user to enter their email address (S46). Upon receiving this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP2 displays the email address input page on the web browser screen that accesses the server built into the MFP2.

[0078] When a user operates the user terminal 4 and enters an email address on the email address input page, that email address is sent from the MFP2 to the function server 3. When the function server 3 receives the email address (S47: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 attaches a receipt to an email and sends it to the user's email address (S45). Then, the CPU 11 registers the MFP2 in the ROM 12 as a device that can officially use the Internet fax function (S42), and ends this series of processes.

[0079] <Effects and Effects> As described above, ROM32 stores device information related to MFP2 and address information for the function server 3. When user information about a user using MFP2 is received by the LAN interface 26, the user information and the device information stored in ROM32 are transmitted accordingly to the function server 3, which is identified by the address information stored in ROM32. Therefore, the user does not need to input device information into MFP2 (operation of the user terminal 4), thus saving the effort of inputting device information. As a result, the convenience of MFP2 can be improved.

[0080] When a user officially uses a paid feature, payment information is sent from MFP2 to function server 3. Upon receiving the payment information, function server 3 creates a PDF receipt file. If the user requests it, the PDF receipt file is sent from function server 3 to MFP2, where it is printed. This allows the user to easily obtain a receipt.

[0081] Furthermore, if the MFP2 is equipped with multiple mailbox MBs, when starting a trial of paid features that utilize printer functions, such as the Internet fax function, one of the multiple mailbox MBs can be set as the user's mailbox MB. This allows users to conveniently try out the mailbox MBs.

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

[0083] For example, in the embodiment described above, the MFP2 and the user terminal 4 were assumed to be connected via LAN5, but the MFP2 and the user terminal 4 may also be connected via a USB cable.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the LAN interface 26 was described as an example of a first communication unit and a receiving unit, but the first communication unit and the receiving unit may be provided in the MFP2 as separate configurations. For example, the MFP2 may be provided with the LAN interface 26 as an example of a first communication unit, and the operation unit 24 or a USB interface for USB connection as an example of a second communication unit.

[0085] When a trial of a paid feature begins, user information such as a user ID and password is sent from MFP2 to the function server 3. However, this user information sent from MFP2 to the function server 3 may also include the user's credit card number. In this case, when MFP2 is registered as a device that can officially use the paid feature, the user will not have to enter payment information such as their credit card number. Furthermore, while connection requests for trial registration and full usage registration were given as examples of request information, this request information may also include the user's credit number.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration was taken up in which the CPU 34 of the MFP2 and the CPU 11 of the function server 3 execute each process. However, the MFP2 may have multiple CPUs, and these multiple CPUs may cooperate to execute each process, or the function server 3 may have multiple CPUs, and these multiple CPUs may cooperate to execute each process.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an MFP2 having image forming and image reading functions was used as an example of an image processing device. However, the image processing device may also be a single-function printer with printing capabilities, or a single-function scanner with scanning capabilities.

[0088] Furthermore, various design modifications can be made to the aforementioned configuration within the scope of the matters described in the patent claims. [Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims

1. A system including an image processing device and a server, The aforementioned image processing device is Equipped with a network interface, Standard functions are executable, and special functions are enabled, thereby enabling the execution of said special functions, and it is also possible to enable a trial mode to try out said special functions. The image processing device is equipped with a memory in which identification information is stored, and when the trial mode is enabled, the identification information stored in the memory is transmitted to a server on the Internet via the network interface. After transmitting the identification information to the server, the trial mode is activated in response to the reception of specific information via the network interface. When the trial mode is enabled, a process is executed to detect whether or not the trial mode is active within the specified period. The system is configured such that the special function can be executed during the period in which the trial mode is active, and the trial mode can be disabled when the period in which the trial mode is active ends. The server is configured to, when it receives identification information of the image processing device for which the trial mode is disabled via the Internet, to output information to the image processing device indicated by the received identification information to cause it to receive the specific information, and to store the received identification information as identification information of the image processing device for which the trial mode is enabled. The aforementioned special function is not a function provided by the server, but rather a function provided by the image processing device using the standard function, in a system.

2. The system according to claim 1, The system includes the serial number of the image processing device as part of the identification information.

3. The system according to claim 1, The system includes the identification information, which includes information about optional devices attached to the image processing device.

4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Both the standard function and the special function mentioned above are functions that include the execution of image processing. The system includes, for example, outputting image data by the image processing device and generating image data by the image processing device.

5. The system according to claim 4, Both the standard functions and the special functions mentioned above may be multiple in number. A system in which the multiple standard functions and the multiple special functions are all functions that include the execution of the image processing.

6. The system according to claim 4 or 5, The aforementioned image processing device is A printing unit that prints image data onto a sheet, It includes a reading unit that reads an image and generates image data, The system includes, for example, at least one of the following: printing image data using the printing unit and generating image data by reading the image using the reading unit.

7. The system according to claim 6, The aforementioned special functions include an Internet fax function that receives emails from external sources, prints image data attached to those emails onto sheets using the printing unit, and attaches image data to emails and sends those emails externally.

8. The system according to claim 6 or 7, The system includes a special function that reads an image using the reading unit and uploads the image data generated by the reading to an upload server.

9. A system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, The aforementioned special function includes a download print function that downloads image data from a download server and prints that image data onto a sheet using the printing unit.

10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The standard function and the special function are both functions that include generating data by the image processing device and transmitting the generated data, in a system.

11. The system according to claim 10, Both the standard functions and the special functions mentioned above may be multiple in number. A system in which the multiple standard functions and the multiple special functions all include functions that generate data by the image processing device and transmit the generated data.

12. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The standard function and the special function are both functions that include receiving data and processing the received data in the image processing device, in a system.

13. The system according to claim 12, Both the standard functions and the special functions mentioned above may be multiple in number. A system in which the multiple standard functions and the multiple special functions all include functions that include receiving data and processing the received data in the image processing device.

14. An image processing device configured to be able to execute standard functions, enable special functions, enable the execution of said special functions, and enable a trial mode for trying out said special functions, Equipped with a network interface, The image processing device is equipped with a memory in which identification information is stored, and when the trial mode is enabled, the identification information stored in the memory is transmitted to a server on the Internet via the network interface. The system is configured to enable the trial mode based on the output of the server that enables the trial mode. When the trial mode is enabled, a process is executed to detect whether or not the trial mode is active within the specified period. The system is configured such that the special function can be executed during the period in which the trial mode is active, and the trial mode can be disabled when the period in which the trial mode is active ends. The server is configured to enable the special function based on the output it produces to enable the special function. The aforementioned special function is not a function provided by the server, but rather a function provided by the image processing device using the standard function, wherein the image processing device is an image processing device.

15. An image processing apparatus according to claim 14, Both the standard function and the special function mentioned above are functions that include the execution of image processing. The image processing includes at least one of outputting image data by the image processing device and generating image data by the image processing device.

16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 15, Both the standard functions and the special functions mentioned above may be multiple in number. An image processing apparatus in which the multiple standard functions and the multiple special functions are all functions that include the execution of the image processing.

17. An image processing apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, A printing unit that prints image data onto a sheet, It includes a reading unit that reads an image and generates image data, The image processing apparatus includes at least one of the following: printing image data using the printing unit and generating image data by reading the image using the reading unit.

18. An image processing apparatus according to claim 17, The image processing apparatus includes, as a special function, an Internet fax function that receives emails from external sources, prints image data attached to those emails onto a sheet using the printing unit, and attaches image data to an email and sends that email to an external source.

19. An image processing apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, The image processing apparatus includes, as a special function, a scan-upload function that reads an image using the reading unit and uploads the image data generated by the reading to an upload server.

20. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 19, The image processing device includes a download print function, which downloads image data from a download server and prints the image data onto a sheet using the printing unit, as a special function.

21. An image processing apparatus according to claim 14, The standard function and the special function are both functions that include generating data by the image processing device and transmitting the generated data, wherein the image processing device is an image processing device.

22. An image processing apparatus according to claim 21, Both the standard functions and the special functions mentioned above may be multiple in number. An image processing device wherein the plurality of standard functions and the plurality of special functions all include functions that generate data by the image processing device and transmit the generated data.

23. An image processing apparatus according to claim 14, The standard function and the special function are both functions that include receiving data and processing the received data in the image processing device, wherein the image processing device is an image processing device.

24. An image processing apparatus according to claim 23, Both the standard functions and the special functions mentioned above may be multiple in number. An image processing device in which the multiple standard functions and the multiple special functions all include functions that include receiving data and processing the received data in the image processing device.

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