JP2019118069A - Image processing apparatus, server, and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

An image processing apparatus, a server, and an image processing system are provided that can reduce the time and effort required for inputting information by a user.
SOLUTION: Device information on the MFP and address information on the function server are stored in the ROM of the MFP. When user information regarding the user who uses the MFP is accepted by the LAN interface, the user information and the device information stored in the ROM are transmitted to the function server specified by the address information stored in the ROM accordingly. Be done. Therefore, there is no need for the user to input device information into the MFP 2 [Selection] FIG. 3A

Description

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

  An MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) having a print function, a scan function, and a fax function is known as an example of the image processing apparatus. The print function is a function of printing an image relating to image data on a sheet such as print 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. Also, the MFP has a copy function achieved by a combination of the scan function and the print function.

  Some MFPs can add the additional functions other than the standard function as a standard function, with the basic function described above as a standard function. Additional functions include, for example, a scan mail function that attaches image data read by a scan function to an email and sends it, a scan upload function that uploads image data read by a scan function to a server on the Internet, and the like There is a download print function that downloads image data from the server and prints it on a sheet by the print function.

  Even if a user adds an additional function to the MFP, if there is little opportunity for using the additional function, the expense for adding the additional function is wasted. Therefore, a trial mode in which the number of times or days of usage of the additional function is limited is provided, and if the user requests continued use of the additional function during or after the trial mode, continuous use of the additional function is permitted. A configuration is proposed.

JP 2005-33333 A

  When the additional function can be tried for free under certain restrictions, the user accesses the server from an external terminal such as a PC (personal computer) at the start of trial of the additional function, for example, Send user registration information about the user to the server. Then, when purchasing and using the additional function after trial of the additional function, the user accesses the server again from the external terminal, transmits the device information and the user registration information to the server again, and the additional function from the server Get a license code for using. Thereafter, when the license code is input to the MFP, this additional function can be used.

  Therefore, in order to try or use an additional function in the MFP, the user needs to input both user information and device information, which is troublesome for the user.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, a server, and an image processing system capable of reducing the time and effort of inputting information by a user.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention performs at least one of a printing process for printing an image according to image data on a sheet and a reading process for reading an original image and acquiring image data. An image processing unit to be executed, a first communication unit to communicate with the server, a reception unit to receive information, a storage unit, and a control unit to control the image processing unit to execute any one of a standard function and a paid function The storage unit stores device information related to the image processing apparatus and address information of the server, and the control unit is responsive to the reception of the user information by the reception unit. When the authentication process related to the user information is executed and the request information related to the paid function is accepted by the reception unit, it is stored in the storage unit on condition that the authentication related to the authentication process is successful. Using the address information, and transmits the device information stored in the storage unit from the first communication unit to the server.

  According to this configuration, the storage unit stores device information on the image processing device and address information of the server. When user information regarding a user who uses the image processing apparatus is accepted by the acceptance unit and request information regarding the paid function is accepted by the acceptance unit, storage is performed in the storage unit on condition that the authentication process relating to the user information is successful. The user information and the device information stored in the storage unit are transmitted to the server specified by the address information being stored. Therefore, since the user does not have to perform an input operation for causing the reception unit to receive the device information, it is possible to save time and effort for the input operation of the device information. As a result, the convenience of the image processing apparatus can be enhanced.

  The present invention can be realized not only in the form of an image processing apparatus, but also in the form of an image processing system including the image processing apparatus and a server constituting the image processing system together with the image processing apparatus. it can.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time and effort of inputting information by the user, and to improve the convenience of the image processing apparatus.

It is a figure showing the composition of the image processing system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of an MFP. It is a sequence diagram (the 1) of payment function use processing. It is a sequence diagram (the 2) of payment function use processing. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the flow of the process performed by a function server during a paid function use process. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the flow of the process performed by a function server during a paid function use process. It is a flowchart (the 3) which shows the flow of the process performed by a function server during a paid function use process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

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

  The MFP 2 (an example of an image processing apparatus) has a print function, a scan function, a fax function, and a copy function 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 an image of a document and printing the image on a sheet.

  The MFP 2 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 function that can be added to the MFP 2 is a paid function that is realized by cooperation between the standard function and 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 receives an e-mail from an external device, prints the image data attached to the e-mail on a sheet, attaches the image data to an e-mail, and sends the e-mail to an external It is a function to send to the 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 designated server. The download print function is a function of downloading image data from a designated server and printing the image data on a sheet by the print function.

  In addition to the standard discharge tray, MFP 2 may use, for example, five mail boxes MB1, MB2, MB3, MB4, and MB5 (hereinafter, particularly when there is no need to distinguish) as discharge destinations of sheets on which images have been printed. It is described as "mailbox MB". The mailbox MB is an optional device additionally mounted on the MFP 2.

  The function server 3 is, for example, a server provided by the maker of the MFP 2 and is placed on the Internet. The function server 3 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11, a read only memory (ROM) 12, a random access memory (RAM) 13, a LAN interface (I / F) 14, and the like. The CPU 11 (an example of a server control unit) controls the operation of each unit 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 data rewritable non-volatile memory such as 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.

  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. When the user operates the user terminal 4, it is possible to transmit a job execution instruction using the standard function or the paid function to the MFP 2 from the user terminal 4 via the LAN 5.

  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.

<Electric Configuration of MFP>
As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 2 includes a reading unit 21 (an example of an image processing unit) for the scan function and a printing unit 22 (an example of the image processing unit) for the print function.

  The image reading method 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 (reading an image of the sheet placed on a contact glass) It may be a flat bed method.

  The system of image formation by the printing unit 22 may be an electrophotographic system or an inkjet system. Further, the image formed on the sheet may be a color image or a monochrome image.

  The MFP 2 also includes an operation panel 23. An operation unit 24 and a display unit 25 are provided in the operation panel 23.

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

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

  The operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 may constitute a touch panel. Various information and images such as operation buttons are displayed on the display unit 25 constituting the touch panel. When the user presses an operation button displayed on the display unit 25 (touch operation), the operation is accepted by the operation unit 24 and a signal (data) corresponding to the content of the operation is output from the operation panel 23 Be done. Below, the case where the operation part 24 and the display part 25 comprise a touch panel is taken up.

  The MFP 2 further includes a LAN interface (I / F) 26, a FAX interface (I / F) 27, and a control unit 28.

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

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

  The control unit 28 includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 31, a ROM 32 (an example of a storage unit and a device storage unit), and a RAM 33.

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

  The ASIC 31 incorporates a CPU 34 (an example of a control unit and a device control unit). Signals and the like output from the operation panel 23 are input to the ASIC 31. The CPU 34 executes a program stored in the ROM 32 based on a signal input to the ASIC 31 or the like to read the reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, the operation unit 24, the display unit 25, the LAN interface 26, and the FAX interface 27. Control each part including

  The ROM 32 is composed of a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The ROM 32 stores programs executed by the CPU 34 and various data. The ROM 32 also stores device information related to the MFP 2. The device information includes, for example, the model name of MFP 2, the serial number of MFP 2, the presence or absence of an error, information on optional devices installed in MFP 2, information on the language used by user settings or factory settings, and the like. . In addition, a card reader that reads information from the IC card by NFC (Near Field Communication) communication whether or not the mailbox MB is attached to the information of the optional device, and the number of the mailbox MB if attached. Are included, and whether or not a barcode reader is attached. Further, the ROM 32 stores information on the address of the function server 3.

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

<Paid function use processing>
The paid function is a function that can be added to the MFP 2 for a fee, but the user can try (test) the paid function for free only for a certain trial period (trial period).

  When a user tries a paid function, the web browser of the user terminal 4 is used to access the web site of the server (EWS: Embedded Web Server) incorporated in the MFP 2. On the top page of this website, there are displayed a plurality of buttons including a list display button for requesting display of a list of available paid functions. The user operates the user terminal 4 and, for example, presses the list display button with the mouse pointer, so as to select a display request for a list of trialable functions which can be tried, as shown in FIG. 3A.

  When the list display button is pressed, the web browser screen is switched from the top page to the login page. When the user operates the user terminal 4 and the user ID and password are input on the login page, the MFP 2 transmits a connection request to the function server 3. Information on the address of the function server 3 is stored in the ROM 32 of the MFP 2. Further, the user ID and password input on the login page are transmitted from MFP 2 to function server 3 for user authentication (server authentication) by function server 3.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the CPU 11 of the function server 3 receives a connection request from the MFP 2 (S11: YES), the CPU 11 performs connection authentication using the user ID and password received subsequently to the connection request (S12). Specifically, an authentication database is constructed in the ROM 12 of the function server 3. In the authentication database, the user ID of the user who can use the paid function and the password are registered in association with each other. In the connection authentication, the CPU 11 confirms whether or not the combination of the user ID and the password received from the MFP 2 is registered in the authentication database.

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

  After transmitting the connection response, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the current connection request from the MFP 2 is a connection request (an example of request information) for trial registration of a paid function (S15). Whether a connection request for trial registration is required can be determined depending on whether the connection request has been received before connection authentication or the notification of function continued use described later has been received. That is, when the CPU 11 receives a connection request before connection authentication, it determines that the current connection request is a connection request for trial registration, and receives a notification of function continued use before connection authentication. Determines that the current connection request is not a connection request for trial registration.

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

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

  When the function server 3 receives the device information transmitted from the MFP 2 (S16: YES), as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 can try the MFP2 with the user from the user ID and the device information. A list of paid functions is created (S17). For example, a trialable paid function is set for each user, and the trialable paid function is registered in the authentication database in association with the user ID. The CPU 11 selects, from among the paid functions registered in association with the user ID, a paid function that can be used by the MFP 2 based on the information of the optional device included in the device information received from the MFP 2 and selects the paid function. Create a list by determining features as paid features that you can try.

  After creating the list of trial paid functions, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 transmits an instruction to display the created list to the MFP 2 (S18). In response to this instruction, CPU 34 of MFP 2 is included in the list of paid functions that the user can try, on the screen of the web browser accessing the server incorporated in MFP 2 as shown in FIG. 3A. Display a function selection page in which the user can select one of the paid functions.

  The user operates the user terminal 4 to select a paid function to be tried on the function selection page. When the paid function is selected, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 notifies the function server 3 of the selected paid function. As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 4A, when the function server 3 receives the notification of the paid function selected by the user (S19: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 notifies the notification as shown in FIG. 4B. It is determined whether the MFP 2 can validate the paid function (S20).

  Hereinafter, the case where the user selects the Internet fax function will be taken up.

  For example, when the Internet fax function selected by the user has been tried on the MFP 2 in the past, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines that the Internet fax function can not be activated (S20: NO). In this case, the CPU 11 notifies the MFP 2 of an error (S21), and ends this series of processing. In response to the notification of the error from the function server 3, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 causes the page of the error notification to be displayed on the screen of the web browser accessing the server incorporated in the MFP 2.

  When the Internet fax function selected by the user can be activated by the MFP 2 (S20: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 notifies the Internet fax function to be activated as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4B. It transmits to MFP 2 (S22).

  When the MFP 2 receives the notification of the activation, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 activates the Internet fax function so as to be able to try it and starts the countdown of the trial period, as shown in FIG. 3A.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 checks whether the user is logging in to the MFP 2 (S23) and the mailbox MB is attached to the MFP 2 (S24). Then, when the user is logging in to the MFP 2 (S23: YES) and the mailbox MB is attached to the MFP 2 (S24: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 selects one of the mailbox MB. An instruction to display the screen to be displayed is transmitted to the MFP 2 (S25). In response to this instruction, CPU 34 of MFP 2 displays a mailbox selection page for accepting the selection of mailbox MB by the user on the screen of the web browser accessing the server incorporated in MFP 2 as shown in FIG. 3A. Let

  The user operates the user terminal 4 to select one of the mailbox MBs attached to the MFP 2 on the mailbox selection page. When one of the mailbox MBs is selected, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 notifies the function server 3 which is the selected mailbox MB. When the function server 3 receives this notification (S26: YES), as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4B, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 sets the notified mailbox MB as the mailbox MB for the user who is logging in. An instruction to set is transmitted to MFP 2 (S27).

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

  Then, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 transmits a notification to the effect that trial registration of the MFP 2 has been completed to the MFP 2 (S29), and ends the series of processing. When MFP 2 receives the notification, CPU 34 of MFP 2 notifies the user of the completion of trial registration of MFP 2 on the screen of the web browser accessing the server incorporated in MFP 2 as shown in FIG. 3B. Display the page.

  When the predetermined period has passed since the activation of the Internet fax function and the countdown of the trial period of the Internet fax function ends, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 detects the end of the trial period of the Internet fax function.

  When the user accesses the web site of the server incorporated in the MFP 2 using the web browser of the user terminal 4 after the trial period of the Internet fax function ends, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 accesses the server incorporated in the MFP 2 In addition to notifying the end of the trial period of the Internet fax function, the web browser screen displays a trial period end notification page inquiring that the Internet fax function is continuously used. When the user operates the user terminal 4 to select the continuous use of the Internet fax function on the trial period end notification page, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 switches the screen of the web browser from the trial period end notification page to the login page. When the user terminal 4 is operated by the user and the user ID and password are input on the login page, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 transmits a notification of function continued use to the function server 3. Further, for user authentication by the function server 3, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 transmits the user ID and the password input on the login page from the MFP 2 to the function server 3.

  When the CPU 11 of the function server 3 receives the notification of function continued use from the MFP 2 as shown in FIG. 4A, it determines that it is a connection request by the notification of function continued use (S11: YES), and continues the connection request. Connection authentication is performed using the received user ID and password (S12). If the connection authentication is successful (S13: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 transmits a connection response for permitting the connection from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 to the MFP 2 (S14).

  After transmitting the connection response, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the current connection request from the MFP 2 is a connection request for trial registration of the paid function (S15). Since the connection request this time is a connection request by the notification of function continued use, the CPU 11 determines that the connection request for trial registration of a paid function is not made (S15: NO). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether the present connection request from the MFP 2 is a connection request (an example of request information) for the formal use registration of the Internet fax function (S30).

  When the connection request from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 is not a connection request for the formal use registration of the Internet fax function (S30: NO), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 rejects the connection from the MFP 2 to the function server 3.

  When the connection request from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 is a connection request for the formal use registration of the Internet fax function (S30: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the MFP 2 has been trial registered. (S31).

  If the MFP 2 is not trial-registered (S31: NO), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 instructs the MFP 2 to transmit device information, and waits for reception of the device information from the MFP 2 (S32).

  When the MFP 2 is trial-registered (S31: YES), or when device information is received from the MFP 2 (S32: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 requests the user to enter payment information from the payment information input page. A display instruction is sent to MFP 2 (S33). In response to this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 causes the payment information input page to be displayed on the screen of the web browser accessing the server incorporated in the MFP 2 as shown in FIG. 3B.

  When the user terminal 4 is operated by the user and information on payment by a credit card or IC card is input on the payment information input page, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 notifies the function server 3 of the input payment information.

  When the function server 3 receives a notification of payment information from the MFP 2 (S34: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the payment by the user's credit card is valid, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4C. If the settlement is valid, the settlement is approved (S35: settlement processing).

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

  In addition, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 transmits permission for starting the formal use of the Internet fax function (S37).

  After that, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 confirms from the device information of the MFP 2 that the MFP 2 can use the print function (S38).

  When the MFP 2 can use the print function (S38: YES), as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4C, the CPU 11 of the function server 3 confirms with the user whether to print the receipt. The instruction of the display of is transmitted to the MFP 2 (S39). In response to this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 causes the receipt printing confirmation page to be displayed on the screen of the web browser accessing the server incorporated in the MFP 2 as shown in FIG. 3B.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 3B, when the MFP 2 receives an instruction for printing a receipt from the function server 3, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 controls the printing unit 22 to print the receipt. Further, the CPU 34 displays a registration success notification page notifying that the MFP 2 has been officially registered as an apparatus capable of officially using the Internet fax function on the screen of the web browser accessing the server incorporated in the MFP 2. End the series of processing.

  When the MFP 2 can not use the print function due to an error or the like (S38: NO), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 determines whether the user's e-mail address has been registered as user information (S43).

  If the e-mail address has already been registered (S43: YES), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 instructs the MFP 2 to display a receipt sending permission page to confirm permission to send a receipt attached to an e-mail. Send. In response to this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 causes the receipt sending permission page to be displayed on the screen of the web browser that accesses the server incorporated in the MFP 2.

  When the user terminal 4 is operated by the user and transmission of the receipt is permitted in the receipt sending permission page, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 transmits a notification to the effect server 3 that transmission of the receipt is permitted.

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

  If the user's e-mail address is not registered (S43: NO), or if transmission of a receipt is rejected by the user on the receipt sending permission page, a notification to that effect is received from MFP 2 from function server 3 (S44: NO), the CPU 11 of the function server 3 transmits, to the MFP 2, an instruction to display a mail address input page for requesting input of a mail address (S46). In response to this instruction, the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 displays a mail address input page on the screen of the web browser accessing the server incorporated in the MFP 2.

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

<Function effect>
As described above, the ROM 32 stores device information on the MFP 2 and address information of the function server 3. When user information regarding a user who uses MFP 2 is accepted by LAN interface 26, user information and device information stored in ROM 32 in function server 3 specified by the address information stored in ROM 32 accordingly Is sent. Therefore, since there is no need for an operation (an operation of the user terminal 4) for the user to input the device information to the MFP 2, it is possible to save the trouble of the input operation of the device information. As a result, the convenience of the MFP 2 can be enhanced.

  When the user officially uses the paid function, payment information is transmitted from the MFP 2 to the function server 3. When the function server 3 receives the payment information, the function server 3 creates a PDF file of the receipt. If the user desires, the PDF file of the receipt is transmitted from the function server 3 to the MFP 2, and the PDF file of the receipt is printed by the MFP 2. This allows the user to easily obtain a receipt.

  In addition, when a plurality of mailbox MBs are attached to MFP 2, when starting trial of a paid function using a printer function such as the Internet fax function, one of the plurality of mailbox MBs is used as a user's mail It can be set as a box MB. This allows the user to try the mailbox MB conveniently.

<Modification>
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can also be implemented with another form.

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

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

Although the user ID and the password, which are an example of user information, are transmitted from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 at the trial start of the paid function, the user information transmitted from the MFP 2 to the function server 3 includes the user A credit card number of may be included. In this case, when the MFP 2 is registered as a device that can officially use the paid function, it is possible to save the user the trouble of inputting payment information such as a credit card number.
In addition, although a connection request for trial registration or regular use registration has been mentioned as an example of the request information, the request information may include the user's credit number.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the CPU 34 of the MFP 2 and the CPU 11 of the function server 3 execute each process has been described. However, MFP 2 may have a plurality of CPUs, and the plurality of CPUs may cooperate to execute each process, or function server 3 may have a plurality of CPUs, and the plurality of CPUs may cooperate. You may execute each process,

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the MFP 2 having an image forming function and an image reading function is taken as an example of the image processing apparatus, but the image processing apparatus may be a single function printer having a printer function. It may be a single function scanner having a scanner function.

  In addition, various design changes can be made to the above-described configuration within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

1: Image processing system 2: MFP
3: Function server 4: User terminal 11: CPU
12: ROM
14: LAN interface 21: Reading unit 22: Printing unit 26: LAN interface 27: Fax interface 32: ROM
34: CPU
MB1-5: Mailbox

Claims (14)

An image processing unit that executes at least one of printing processing for printing an image relating to image data on a sheet and reading processing for reading an original image and acquiring image data;
A first communication unit,
A reception unit for receiving information;
A storage unit,
A control unit that controls the image processing unit to execute any one of a standard function and a paid function;
An image processing apparatus comprising
The storage unit stores device information related to the image processing device and address information of a server,
The control unit
Executing an authentication process related to the user information in response to the reception of the user information by the reception unit;
When the request information related to the paid function is received by the reception unit, the storage unit using the address information stored in the storage unit on condition that the authentication related to the authentication process is successful. Transmitting the device information stored in the device from the first communication unit to the server,
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image processing apparatus, wherein the apparatus information includes a serial number of the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the apparatus information includes information of an optional device attached to the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
The image processing apparatus, wherein the user information includes a credit card number. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
The image processing apparatus, wherein the receiving unit receives the user information transmitted from an external terminal. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
The control unit
When the user information is received by the receiving unit, after the first communication unit accesses the server, a trial request for the paid function is transmitted from the first communication unit to the server,
An image processing apparatus that enables execution of processing of image data by the paid function when the first communication unit receives a trial permission for the trial request. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
The control unit
After execution of processing of image data by the paid function, when the user information is received by the receiving unit, a license that enables real use of the paid function after access to the server by the first communication unit An image processing apparatus, which transmits an assignment request from the first communication unit to the server. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
It has a printing unit that prints image data on a sheet,
The control unit
Payment information relating to the license is transmitted from the first communication unit to the server;
An image processing apparatus for causing the printing unit to print the image data of the receipt when the first communication unit receives the image data of the receipt from the server after transmitting the payment information; The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein
A printing unit that prints image data on a sheet;
And a plurality of mail boxes from which sheets printed by the printing unit are discharged,
The control unit
Image processing for transmitting information for specifying one of the plurality of mail boxes from the first communication unit to the server in response to receiving a mailbox specification request from the server to the first communication unit apparatus. Communication department,
A server storage unit,
And a server control unit,
The server storage unit stores a list of paid functions that can be used by the image processing device in association with device information related to the image processing device,
The server control unit
In response to the reception of the device information from the image processing apparatus to the communication unit, the communication unit transmits, to the image processing apparatus, the information on the list of paid functions associated with the received device information. ,
When the trial request for the paid function is received from the image processing apparatus to the communication unit, and the received trial request is included in the list of the paid functions transmitted to the image processing apparatus, the trial permission for the trial request is From the communication unit to the image processing apparatus,
After transmission of the trial permission, it is determined from the device information whether the image processing apparatus has a plurality of mail boxes as discharge destinations of the sheet after printing,
When the image processing apparatus includes the plurality of mailboxes, the communication unit transmits, to the image processing apparatus, a mailbox specification request that requests specification of one of the plurality of mail boxes.
In response to reception of information specifying one of the plurality of mail boxes from the image processing apparatus to the communication unit, the user who has logged in the specified mail box into the image processing apparatus A server that transmits an instruction to be assigned from the communication unit to the image processing apparatus. Communication department,
A server storage unit,
And a server control unit,
The server storage unit stores a list of paid functions that can be used by the image processing device in association with device information related to the image processing device,
The server control unit
In response to the reception of the device information from the image processing apparatus to the communication unit, the communication unit transmits, to the image processing apparatus, the information on the list of paid functions associated with the received device information. ,
When the trial request for the paid function is received from the image processing apparatus to the communication unit, and the paid function targeted for the received trial request is included in the list of the paid functions transmitted to the image processing apparatus, the trial Transmitting a trial permission for a request from the communication unit to the image processing apparatus;
After the trial period of the paid function has elapsed since the transmission of the trial permission, the communication unit transmits a request for inputting settlement information to the image processing apparatus,
The image processing apparatus includes a printing unit for printing image data on a sheet from the apparatus information in response to reception of the payment information from the image processing apparatus to the communication unit in response to an input request for the settlement information. To determine if it is
When the image processing apparatus includes the printing unit, the communication unit transmits image data of a receipt to the image processing apparatus. An image processing system including an image processing apparatus and a server, comprising:
The image processing apparatus is
An image processing unit that executes at least one of printing processing for printing an image relating to image data on a sheet and reading processing for reading an original image and acquiring image data;
A first communication unit,
A reception unit for receiving information;
Device storage unit,
And a device control unit that controls the image processing unit to execute any one of a standard function and a paid function.
The device storage unit stores device information related to the image processing device and address information of a server,
The device control unit
Executing an authentication process related to the user information in response to the reception of the user information by the reception unit;
When the request information related to the paid function is received by the reception unit, the device storage is performed using the address information stored in the storage unit, on the condition that the authentication related to the authentication process is successful. An image processing system for transmitting the device information stored in a unit from the first communication unit to the server. The image processing system according to claim 12, wherein
The image processing apparatus is
A printing unit that prints image data on a sheet;
And a plurality of mail boxes from which sheets printed by the printing unit are discharged,
The server is
The second communication unit,
A server storage unit,
And a server control unit,
The server storage unit stores a list of the paid functions that can be used by the image processing device in association with device information related to the image processing device,
The server control unit, in response to the reception of the device information from the image processing device to the second communication unit, the second information of the list of the paid functions associated with the received device information. From the communication unit to the image processing apparatus,
The device control unit transmits a trial request for the paid function from the first communication unit to the server,
The server control unit receives a trial request for the paid function from the image processing apparatus to the second communication unit, and the paid function of the target of the received trial request is transmitted to the image processing apparatus. When it is included in the list, a trial permission for the trial request is transmitted from the second communication unit to the image processing apparatus,
When the device control unit receives the trial permission in the first communication unit, the device control unit can execute processing of image data by the paid function.
After transmitting the trial permission, the server control unit determines from the device information whether the image processing apparatus includes the plurality of mail boxes, and the image processing apparatus includes the plurality of mail boxes. If it is, the second communication unit transmits a mailbox specification request for requesting specification of one of the plurality of mail boxes from the second communication unit to the image processing apparatus.
The device control unit transmits, from the first communication unit to the server, information for specifying one of the plurality of mail boxes in response to reception of the mailbox specification request to the first communication unit. And
The server control unit performs the image processing on the designated mail box in response to receiving information specifying the one of the plurality of mail boxes from the image processing apparatus to the second communication unit. An image processing system, which transmits an instruction to be assigned to a user logged in to an apparatus from the second communication unit to the image processing apparatus. The image processing system according to claim 12, wherein
The image processing apparatus is
A printing unit that prints image data on a sheet;
And a plurality of mail boxes from which sheets printed by the printing unit are discharged,
The server is
The second communication unit,
A server storage unit,
And a server control unit,
The server storage unit stores a list of paid functions that can be used by the image processing device in association with device information related to the image processing device,
The server control unit, in response to the reception of the device information from the image processing device to the second communication unit, the second information of the list of the paid functions associated with the received device information. From the communication unit to the image processing apparatus,
The device control unit transmits a trial request for the paid function from the first communication unit to the server,
When the server control unit receives a trial request for the paid function from the image processing apparatus to the second communication unit, and the received trial request is included in the list of the paid function transmitted to the image processing apparatus, Transmitting a trial permission for the trial request from the second communication unit to the image processing apparatus;
When the device control unit receives the trial permission in the first communication unit, the device control unit can execute processing of image data by the paid function.
The server control unit transmits an input request for settlement information from the second communication unit to the image processing apparatus after a trial period of the paid function has elapsed since the transmission of the trial permission.
The device control unit transmits payment information from the first communication unit to the server in response to the first communication unit receiving the input request for the payment information.
The server control unit determines whether or not the printing unit is provided from the device information in response to the receipt of the payment information by the second communication unit, and the image processing apparatus executes the printing unit. If it is provided, image data of a receipt is transmitted from the communication unit to the image processing apparatus;
The image processing system, wherein the apparatus control unit causes the printing unit to print the image data of the receipt when the second communication unit receives the image data of the receipt.

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