JP2001092779A - Image processing apparatus, data processing method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To identify each infrequently used application software, delete the infrequently used application software, effectively secure a storage area usable for multifunction function processing, and improve efficiency. It is to handle well. SOLUTION: When executing a multi-function function process, a device controller 103 counts the number of uses of each application software stored in a hard disk 105, and the count value indicates that the number of uses of each application software is less than a predetermined number within a predetermined period. When it is determined that there is one, the number of times of use of the counted application software is notified to the user via the operation unit 104 or the host computer 108.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of executing multifunction function processing by communicating with a data processing apparatus and a server apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, and a data processing method and storage in the image processing apparatus. It is about media.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming system having such a configuration, all program files operable on a multifunction device have been backed up from an initial state to a storage means such as a memory or a hard disk in the device.

When updating a program file, a dedicated terminal is directly connected to the apparatus, and the program file is downloaded from the dedicated terminal.

[0004]

However, since all program files operable on a conventional multifunction device are stored in advance in a storage means such as a memory or a hard disk in the apparatus, the capacity of the storage means is large. There was a problem that it would be.

In addition, when a user uses new application software, it takes time and effort to connect a dedicated terminal to the multifunction device and to select and download necessary application software, which is not convenient. Was.

Furthermore, since the frequency of use of each application software started by the multifunction device is not known, the user cannot specify which application software should be selected when executing image processing, and the number of application software When there are many applications, there is a problem that it takes time to select application software.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to count the number of uses of each application software stored in a storage means when executing a multi-function function processing. If it is determined that the count value indicates that the number of times of use of each application software is equal to or less than a predetermined number within a predetermined period, the count value is notified to the user or erased. This makes it possible to identify each application software that is used infrequently, delete the application software that is used infrequently, effectively secure a storage area that can be used for multifunction function processing, and efficiently process the image. And a data processing method and a storage medium.

[0008]

A first invention according to the present invention is directed to a predetermined communication medium (network LAN shown in FIG. 1).
A data processing device (host computer 108 shown in FIG. 1) and a server device (file server 1 shown in FIG. 1)
13) An image processing apparatus (multi-function apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1) capable of executing multi-function function processing by communicating with the application software for executing the multi-function function processing obtained from the server apparatus Storage means for storing a plurality of
And a counting means (the device controller 103 shown in FIG. 1 is stored in the hard disk 105 and the memory 106) for counting the number of times of use of each application software stored in the storage means when executing the multi-function function processing. A control program is executed to perform a counting process), and determining means for determining whether the number of times of use of each application software is equal to or less than a predetermined number within a predetermined period (the device controller 103 shown in FIG.
The control program stored in the memory 106 is executed to perform the determination process.) When the determination unit determines that the number of times of use of each application software is less than or equal to a predetermined number within a predetermined period, the counting unit (The device controller 103 shown in FIG. 1 executes a control program stored in the hard disk 105 and the memory 106 to perform notification processing). .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the notifying means notifies the operating section of the number of times of use of each application software counted by the counting means.

[0010] In a third aspect of the present invention, the notifying means notifies the data processing apparatus of the number of uses of each application software counted by the counting means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inquiry means for inquiring the user whether or not to erase the application software notified by the notification means, and a deletion execution instruction from the user to the inquiry means. Erasing means for erasing any of the application software stored in the storage means based on the hard disk 105 and the memory 1
06 to execute the control program stored in the control program 06).

A fifth invention according to the present invention relates to a data processing device (host computer 108 shown in FIG. 1) and a server device (file server shown in FIG. 1) via a predetermined communication medium (network LAN shown in FIG. 1). 113) is an image processing apparatus (multi-function apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1) capable of executing multi-function function processing by communicating with application software for executing the multi-function function processing acquired from the server apparatus (The hard disk 105 shown in FIG. 1) for storing a plurality of application software, a counting means for counting the number of uses of each application software stored in the storage means when the multi-function function processing is executed, Use of each application software Counting means for counting the number, and determining means for determining whether or not the notification of the number of times of use of the application software calculated by the counting means is permitted (stored in the hard disk 105 and the memory 106 by the device controller 103 shown in FIG. 1). Executing a control program to be executed) and a control unit (not shown in FIG. 1) for controlling notification or non-notification of the number of times of use of the application software counted by the counting unit based on the determination result of the determination unit. The device controller 103 shown in the drawing executes and controls a control program stored in the hard disk 105 and the memory 106).

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus analyzes the scanner means for inputting a document image and image data based on the document image input from the scanner means or print information input. Printing means for printing output data generated by the scanner means, and device control means for controlling multifunction function processing using the scanner means and the printing means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing device (host computer 108 shown in FIG. 1) and a server device (file server shown in FIG. 1) via a predetermined communication medium (network LAN shown in FIG. 1). 113) is a data processing method in an image processing apparatus (multi-function apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1) capable of executing multi-function function processing by communicating with the multi-function function processing. A counting step (Step S1 shown in FIG. 6) for counting the number of use of each application software stored in a storage unit for storing a plurality of application software for executing the multifunction function processing; There are less than a certain number of times within a certain period A determining step (step S2 shown in FIG. 6) for determining whether or not each application software has been used within a predetermined period by a predetermined number of times or less in the determining step; Notification step of notifying the number of times each application software has been used (step S3 shown in FIG. 6)
And

In an eighth aspect according to the present invention, in the notification step, the number of times of use of each application software counted in the counting step is notified to an operation unit.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the notifying step, the number of times of use of each application software counted in the counting step is notified to the data processing device.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inquiry step (step S4 shown in FIG. 6) for asking the user whether to delete the application software notified by the notification step. An erasing step (step S4 shown in FIG. 6) of erasing any application software stored in the storage means based on an erasing execution instruction from the user for the step.

An eleventh invention according to the present invention relates to a data processing device (host computer 108 shown in FIG. 1) and a server device (file server shown in FIG. 1) via a predetermined communication medium (network LAN shown in FIG. 1). 113) is a data processing method in an image processing apparatus (multi-function apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1) capable of executing multi-function function processing by communicating with the multi-function function processing. A counting step (step S1 shown in FIG. 7) for counting the number of uses of each application software stored in the storage means for storing a plurality of application software for executing the multifunction function processing; Use of each application software And aggregation step of aggregating the number (step S3 shown in FIG. 7), step S shown in determination step (Fig. 7 notification of the number of times of use of application software that has been aggregated by the aggregation step to determine whether it is permitted state
4) and a notification control step (step S5 shown in FIG. 7) of controlling notification or non-notification of the number of times of use of the application software counted by the counting step based on the determination result of the determination step. is there.

A twelfth invention according to the present invention relates to a data processing device (host computer 108 shown in FIG. 1) and a server device (file server shown in FIG. 1) via a predetermined communication medium (network LAN shown in FIG. 1). 113) An image processing apparatus capable of executing multifunction function processing by communicating with the multifunction apparatus 100 (multifunction apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1)
A counting step of counting the number of times of use of each application software stored in a storage unit that stores a plurality of application software for executing the multifunction function processing obtained from the server device when the multifunction function processing is executed. (Step S1 shown in FIG. 6), a determining step (Step S2 shown in FIG. 6) for determining whether or not the number of use of each application software is equal to or less than a predetermined number within a predetermined period. When it is determined that the number of times of use of the application software is less than or equal to a predetermined number within a predetermined period, a notification step of notifying the number of times of use of each application software counted in the counting step (Step S3 shown in FIG. 6) ) And a program for executing the program on a recording medium In which the computer was recorded readably.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the notifying step, the number of times of use of each application software counted in the counting step is notified to an operation unit.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the notifying step, the number of times of use of each application software counted in the counting step is notified to the data processing device.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inquiry step (step S4 shown in FIG. 6) in which the information processing apparatus is inquired of a user as to whether or not to delete the application software notified in the notification step. ) And an erasing step of erasing any application software stored in the storage means based on an erasing execution instruction from the user for the inquiry step (step S shown in FIG. 6).
4) A program to be executed is recorded on a recording medium in a computer-readable manner.

A sixteenth invention according to the present invention is directed to a data processing device (host computer 108 shown in FIG. 1) and a server device (file server shown in FIG. 1) via a predetermined communication medium (network LAN shown in FIG. 1). 113) An image processing apparatus capable of executing multifunction function processing by communicating with the multifunction apparatus 100 (multifunction apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1)
A counting step of counting the number of times of use of each application software stored in a storage unit that stores a plurality of application software for executing the multifunction function processing obtained from the server device when the multifunction function processing is executed. (Step S1 shown in FIG. 7), a counting step (Step S3 shown in FIG. 7) for counting the number of uses of each application software counted in the counting step, and use of the application software counted in the counting step. A determining step (step S4 shown in FIG. 7) of determining whether or not the notification of the number of times is permitted; and a notification of the number of times of use of the application software totalized by the totalizing step based on the determination result of the determining step. Notification control step to control non-notification ( A recording medium on which a program for executing a step S5) shown in 7 in which the computer was recorded readably.

[0024]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image processing system to which an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a multifunction device, which is a scanner 101 for reading a document image and image information read by the scanner 101 or a connected local area network (LAN) 10.
The printer 102 outputs image data sent via the printer 7 to a recording medium, further controls the scanner 101, the operation of the printer 102, provides a device controller 103 that performs various image processing, and provides the user with device operations. Operation unit 104, image data and device controller 103
Comprises a hard disk 105 for temporarily or permanently storing a processing program to be executed, a memory 106 functioning as a work memory, and the like.

The multi-function device 100
Is not limited to simply copying an original image, it is also possible to apply various image processing to the original image and copy it. For example, it is configured to perform image processing such as negative-positive inversion processing, reduced layout processing, and trimming processing. ing.

In addition to the copying of an original, the scanner 101
To transfer the image data read by the host computer 108 to the host computer 108 via the LAN 107, or to output a document created on the host computer 108 from the printer 102, or by using a facsimile communication function processing unit (not shown). Is transmitted to a remote facsimile machine.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a communication network such as the Internet (hereinafter referred to as the Internet). A web server 110 is connected to the Internet 109 and provides a specific service to Internet users. A service provider 111 performs a connection process between the personal user terminal and the Internet 109.

Reference numeral 112 denotes a firewall, which performs security management when connecting the inside of the LAN 107 in the figure and the Internet 109 as an external communication network, thereby preventing unauthorized access from intervening.

The multi-function device 100
Has, for example, RJ45 to LAN 107, 10ba
They are connected via a LAN interface cable such as seT. Also, a plurality of servers such as a host computer 108 and a plurality of servers such as a file server 113 for managing access to files stored in a storage device such as a hard disk are connected to the LAN 107, and communicate with the multifunction device 100. Is possible.

FIGS. 2 to 5 are block diagrams for explaining the flow of data in the network image processing system shown in FIG. 1. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

First, data processing when a program file created by the host computer 108 on the network LAN to which the multifunction device 100 is connected is stored in the file server 113 will be described with reference to FIG.

When a host computer 108 creates a program file operable on the multifunction device 100, the host computer 108 transfers the created program file to the file server 113 via the LAN 107 according to the flow indicated by the arrow in the figure.

The program file created by the host computer 108 is preferably HTML, Ja,
va and the like.

The file server 113 stores the program file transmitted from the host computer 108 in a storage device. Further, the host computer 1
08 notifies the search server 114 of the storage location information of the program file transferred to the file server 113 in accordance with the flow indicated by the arrow in the figure.

The storage destination information is, for example, an address “www.pipit.ca” of the file server 113 in accordance with the URL format used in the HTTP protocol.
non. co. jp "," pmfp / japan / "indicating the storage location of the program file inside the storage device of the file server 113, and the program file name" index.html "are stored in the search server 114.

At the same time, the path indicating the storage location also serves as the identifier of the multifunction device on which the program file can operate, and the search server 114 can efficiently store the storage location information of the program file notified from the host computer 108. Store and multifunction device 1
It operates to respond to the inquiry about the program file storage location requested from 00 or the like.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, a description will be given of a process of searching for a program file stored in the storage device of the file server 113 in the network configuration to which the multi-function device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is connected.

In a state where the storage location of the program file operable on the multifunction device 100 is unknown, a packet for inquiring of the storage location of the program file on the LAN 107 is transmitted according to the flow indicated by the arrow in the figure.

This packet contains a device identifier of a transmission source, and is transmitted as an unspecified destination by a broadcast or multicast method. The search server 114 connected to the network receives the packet transmitted from the multifunction device 100 in this manner, and stores the packet in the search server 114 described in FIG. The storage location of the program file requested by the multi-function device 100 is inquired based on the stored program file storage location information, and the result is notified to the multi-function device 100 via the LAN 107 according to the flow indicated by the arrow in the figure. .

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the multifunction device 100 uses “Device T” as the device identifier.
type: = pmfp, Country: = Japan "
Is transmitted over the LAN 107, and the search server 114 transmits the device identifiers pmfp and Japan.
A search is made for a program file that matches with..., And if there is data that matches, address (URL) data indicating the storage location of the program file is transmitted to the multifunction device 100.

Next, a case where a program operable on the multifunction device 100 is acquired from the file server 113 connected to the network 107 and executed will be described with reference to FIG.

Information on the storage location of the program file is obtained by the procedure described in FIG. 2 or an operation from an operation panel or the like (not shown) connected to the multifunction device 100 in advance, and the program file storage location information is obtained. Then, a packet for requesting acquisition of the program file is transmitted to the file server 113 based on the flow indicated by the arrow in the figure.

In this embodiment, "w" is included in the request packet.
ww. pipet. canon. co. jp / pmfp
/ Japan / index. "html" indicates the address of the file server 113 and the storage location of the program file in the storage device.
The file server 113 transmits a program file (index.html in the present embodiment) from the storage device according to the contents of the packet of the acquisition request received from the multifunction device 100 according to the flow indicated by the arrow in the figure.

In the multi-function device 100, the program file transferred from the file server 113 is transferred to the CPU and R in the multi-function device 100.
It is translated and executed by a program file interpreter stored in the OM or the like.

The program file obtained from the file server 113 is described in accordance with the HTML format shown in FIG. 4, and the program file can associate (link) with another program file. For example, by describing storage location information of a subprogram in a program file, control is realized such that a program is acquired according to the storage location information when the subprogram becomes necessary.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of the device controller 103 shown in FIG.
The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 501 denotes a CPU, which stores the entire multifunction device 100 in a flash memory 503.
The control is performed by reading out the control programs stored in the. In the CPU 501, the address bus and the data bus are connected to each load via a bus driver circuit / address decoder circuit 502.

Reference numeral 504 denotes a RAM which is a main storage device used for storing input data and a work storage area. 505 to 507 are dual port RAMs (DPRA
M), the DPRAM 505 stores the operation unit 104 and the DPRA
An M506 exchanges data with the scanner 101, and a DPRAM 507 exchanges data during communication between the CPU of the printer 102 and the CPU 501. The DPRAMs 505-5
07 has a configuration in which data can be written and read asynchronously with each other. A LAN controller 508 controls communication with each device connected to the LAN network.

On the other hand, image data read by the scanner 101 is, for example, binarized by an error diffusion system 509.
And is input to a memory control circuit 510 that controls data transfer to the memory 106 and the hard disk 105 constituted by, for example, a DRAM.

The image data input to the memory control circuit 510 is sent to a compression / decompression circuit 511, and is stored in the hard disk 105 after being compressed by, for example, a known LZ method. And the hard disk 10
The image data stored in 5 is sent to the memory control circuit 510 decompressed by the compression / decompression circuit 511, and is temporarily stored in the memory 106 for output to the printer 102.

The image data stored in the memory 106 is
The CPU 501 reads the binary data, converts the binary data into, for example, 8-bit multi-value data, and performs various image processing such as scaling processing, filter processing, and γ conversion processing. And the CPU 501
After the image data processed by is binarized,
The data is temporarily stored in the memory 106 for output to the printer 102.

The image data read from the memory 106 is input to a smoothing circuit 512 for reducing jaggies in the image via a memory control circuit 510, and is output to the printer 102 after being subjected to a smoothing process.

Next, data processing in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. (S1) to (S4) indicate each step.

First, if the sharpness adjustment processing and the reduced layout processing have been set when copying using the multi-function device 100, the step (S
In 1), the count values of the application software corresponding to the sharpness adjustment processing and the reduced layout processing are respectively counted up.

Next, in step (S2), it is determined whether there is application software that has not been used a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period. If it is determined that there is no application software that has not been used, the process ends. .

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (S2) that there is application software that has not been used a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, for example, if the negative / positive determination processing has not been used once in 10 days, the step ( S3)
Then, a message, for example, "Negative / positive reversal processing has not been used for 10 days" is displayed on the display of the operation unit 104 to notify the user. Note that “negative / positive inversion processing has not been used for 10 days” may be transmitted to the host computer 108 via the device controller 103 and displayed on the screen of the host computer 108.

Next, in step (S4), for example, "Can I delete the negative / positive reversal process?" Is displayed on the display on the operation unit 104, and the user operates the operation unit 104 to set OK. If it is confirmed that the operation has been performed, the application software for the negative / positive reversal process is deleted from the hard disk 105 of the multifunction device 100, and the process ends.

It should be noted that "Can the negative / positive reversal process be erased?" Is transmitted to the host computer 108 connected to the network via the device controller 103, and displayed on the screen of the host computer 108. If it is confirmed that the input device of the host computer 108 has been set to be OK by operating the input device, the application software for the negative / positive inversion process may be deleted from the hard disk 105 of the multifunction device 100.

Further, the application software which has not been used for a predetermined period may be automatically deleted.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. (S1) to (S5) indicate each step.

Each time the multifunction device 100 is used, in step (S1), the number of times of use of each application software used in the multifunction device 100 at that time is counted. For example, if the sharpness adjustment processing and the reduced layout processing are set when copying is performed using the multifunction device 100, the count value of the application software corresponding to the sharpness adjustment processing and the reduced layout processing (a non-volatile memory (for example, Are managed in the hard disk 105).

Next, in step (S2), it is determined whether or not the multi-function device 100 has been used.
If it is determined that the multifunction device 100 is not being used, the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (S2) that the multi-function device 100 has been used,
At step (S3), the application software is automatically totaled in descending order of the number of times of use. For example, the number of times of use is counted as sharpness adjustment, the second is reduced layout, the third is negative / positive inversion,....

Next, in step (S4), it is determined whether or not permission has been instructed by notification from the notification means (device controller 103). If it is determined that permission has not been granted, the process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (S4) that permission has been instructed by notification from the notification means (device controller 103), step (S5)
Then, the total number of times of using the application software is displayed on the operation unit 104 of the multi-function device 100, the content is notified to the user, and the process ends.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by an image processing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by an image processing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. And in that case, CD-ROM, flash memory, FD
The present invention is applicable even when a group of information including a program is supplied to an output device from a storage medium such as the above or from an external storage medium via a network.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0078]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the sixteenth aspect, at the time of executing the multi-function function process, the number of uses of each application software stored in the storage means is counted, and the count value is equal to or less than the predetermined number of times of use of each application software within a predetermined period. If it is determined that the application software is not available, the user is notified or erased the number of times the application software is counted, thereby identifying each application software that is used less frequently, and Thus, there is an effect that, by erasing application software having a low storage capacity, a storage area that can be used for multifunction function processing is effectively secured and processing can be performed efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system to which an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a data flow in the network image processing system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a data flow in the network image processing system shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a flow of data in the network image processing system shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a data flow in the network image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by an image processing system to which the image processing device according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Multifunction device 101 Scanner 102 Printer 103 Device controller 104 Operation unit 105 Hard disk 106 Memory 107 LAN 108 Host computer

Claims (16)

[Claims] An image processing apparatus capable of executing a multi-function function process by communicating with a data processing device and a server device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the multi-function function process acquired from the server device is executed. Storage means for storing a plurality of application software to be executed; counting means for counting the number of use times of each application software stored in the storage means during execution of the multi-function function processing; Determining means for determining whether or not there is a predetermined number of times or less in a period; and determining that the number of times of use of each application software is less than or equal to a predetermined number in a predetermined period by the determining means. Each application software counted by the means The image processing apparatus according to claim and notifying means for notifying a number of uses, to have a. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit notifies the operation unit of the number of times of use of each application software counted by the counting unit. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit notifies the data processing device of the number of uses of each application software counted by the counting unit. 4. An inquiring means for inquiring a user whether or not to erase the application software notified by said notifying means, and storing in said storage means based on a deletion execution instruction from the user to said inquiring means. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an erasing unit for erasing any of the application software. 5. An image processing device capable of executing a multi-function function process by communicating with a data processing device and a server device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the multi-function function process acquired from the server device is executed. Storage means for storing a plurality of application software to be executed; counting means for counting the number of uses of each application software stored in the storage means during execution of the multi-function function processing; and counting by the counting means Tallying means for counting the number of uses of each application software, determining means for determining whether or not the notification of the number of times of use of the application software counted by the tallying means is in a permission state, and based on the determination result of the determining means , The app aggregated by the aggregation means The image processing apparatus characterized by comprising control means for controlling the notification or non-notification of the number of times of use of application software, a. 6. An image processing apparatus comprising: a scanner unit for inputting a document image; and printing output data generated by analyzing image data based on the document image input from the scanner unit or input print information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a printing unit configured to perform a multifunction function process using the scanner unit and the printing unit. 7. A data processing method in an image processing device capable of executing a multi-function function process by communicating with a data processing device and a server device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the multi-function function process includes the steps of: A counting step of counting the number of uses of each application software stored in the storage means for storing a plurality of application software for executing the multi-function function processing obtained from the server device; and A determination step of determining whether or not there is a number less than or equal to a predetermined number of times; and if the determination step determines that the number of times of use of each application software is less than or equal to a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, the counting step Each application counted by A data processing method, comprising: a notification step of notifying the number of times software is used. 8. The data processing method according to claim 7, wherein in the notifying step, the number of times of use of each application software counted in the counting step is notified to an operation unit. 9. The data processing method according to claim 7, wherein the notifying step notifies the number of times of use of each application software counted in the counting step to the data processing device. 10. An inquiry step for inquiring a user as to whether or not to erase the application software notified in the notification step, and storing in the storage means based on a deletion execution instruction from the user for the inquiry step. 8. The data processing method according to claim 7, further comprising an erasing step of erasing any of the application software. 11. A data processing method in an image processing device capable of executing a multi-function function process by communicating with a data processing device and a server device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the multi-function function process includes the steps of: A counting step of counting the number of uses of each application software stored in a storage unit that stores a plurality of application software for executing the multifunction function processing obtained from the server device; A counting step of counting the number of times of use of the application software; a determining step of determining whether or not the notification of the number of times of use of the application software counted in the counting step is in a permission state; based on a determination result of the determining step, Aggregated by the aggregation process Data processing method characterized by comprising a notification control step of controlling notification or non-notification of the number of uses of the application software has a. 12. An image processing apparatus capable of executing multifunction function processing by communicating with a data processing apparatus and a server apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the image processing apparatus is obtained from the server apparatus at the time of executing the multifunction function processing. A counting step of counting the number of uses of each application software stored in the storage means for storing a plurality of application software for executing the multi-function function processing; and A determining step of determining whether or not there is any of the application software; and, if the determining step determines that the number of uses of each application software is equal to or less than a predetermined number within a predetermined period, Notify the number of times the application software has been used A notifying step, and a computer-readable storage medium recording a program for executing the notifying step. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the notifying step notifies the operation unit of the number of times of use of each application software counted in the counting step.
The storage medium according to the above. 14. The storage medium according to claim 12, wherein said notifying step notifies said data processing apparatus of the number of uses of each application software counted in said counting step. 15. An inquiry step of inquiring a user whether or not to erase the application software notified in the notification step, and storing the information in the storage unit based on a deletion execution instruction from the user in the inquiry step. 13. The storage medium according to claim 12, further comprising an erasing step of erasing any of the application software. 16. An image processing apparatus capable of executing a multifunction function process by communicating with a data processing device and a server device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the image processing device acquires the image data from the server device when the multifunction function process is executed. A counting step of counting the number of uses of each application software stored in the storage unit that stores a plurality of application software for executing the multifunction function processing; and A counting step of counting, a discriminating step of discriminating whether or not the notification of the number of times of use of the application software tabulated in the counting step is in a permitted state; and Application software Recorded computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a notification control step, the controlling the notification or non-notification of use times.