JP2012131056A - Printer and function adding method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer capable of adding a communication function in a temporary period where an external storage medium is connected thereto, and a function adding method thereof.SOLUTION: When detecting that the external storage medium is connected, a data communication setting file in the external storage medium is retrieved, and with the presence of the data communication setting file (YES at S14), a second firmware program corresponding to the model type of the printer is read from the external storage medium, then, developed and restarted (S15). A communication number in the setting file is notified to the server, and when receiving the notice of the communication number registration from the server (YES at S17), a second UI screen with the communication function is displayed (S18), and the communication function is validated (S19).

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that adds a communication function by reading a program from an external storage medium by connecting the external storage medium as a dongle (permission key), and a function addition method in the printing apparatus.

  Conventionally, in a printing apparatus, a program (firmware program) for driving and controlling a print engine that realizes a printing function is stored in a nonvolatile memory, and the CPU executes the program to drive and control the print engine. Thus, printing is performed on the print medium. Also, in this type of printing apparatus, a multi-function type printing apparatus (so-called multi-function machine) having functions other than printing functions such as a scanner, a copy, and a FAX is also known. Also in this type of multifunction machine, a program (firmware program) for driving control of the scanner engine when scanning a document, driving control of the scanner engine and print engine when copying a document, and driving control of a FAX processing unit. ) Is stored in advance in a non-volatile memory. For example, when a function is added due to version upgrade or the like, the program in the nonvolatile memory is rewritten with a new version upgraded program. Therefore, after that, the printer can be used as a printing apparatus to which an upgraded function is added.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a communication apparatus that can specify a destination number by reading the destination number by attaching a storage medium storing the destination number and the destination number extraction registration program to the device. .

JP 2009-130788 A

  By the way, there is a need to print an image based on data sent from one printer with another printer using communication between printers via a network. For example, when a paid or free communication service is provided, there is a demand that only authorized users can add a communication function to the printing apparatus. The communication device of Patent Document 1 can read out an address number and designate it as a transmission destination, but cannot add a communication function. For this reason, in order to add a communication function, it is necessary to store a program having a communication function in a nonvolatile memory.

  If a new program having a communication function is written in the nonvolatile memory, not only the authorized user but also other users can use the added communication function when using the printing apparatus. Therefore, it has been desired to provide a mechanism that allows only authorized users to use the added communication function.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and one of its purposes is a printing apparatus capable of adding a communication function in a temporary period in which an external storage medium is connected, and a function adding method in the printing apparatus. It is to provide.

  In order to achieve one of the above objects, according to one aspect of the present invention, in a printing apparatus, a non-volatile storage unit storing a first firmware program and a first firmware from the non-volatile storage unit when power is turned on. A first activation unit that reads and activates a program, a detection unit that detects whether or not an external storage medium is connected, and a communication that can provide a communication function to the printing apparatus when the connection of the external storage medium is detected A second activation unit that reads and activates the program from the external storage medium; and an activation unit that reads the identifier from the external storage medium in which the connection is detected and validates the communication function if the identifier is authenticated And the gist of the above.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the power is turned on, the first activation unit reads the first firmware program from the nonvolatile storage unit and activates it. After the activation, when the detection unit detects the connection of the external storage medium, the second activation unit reads the communication program from the external storage medium and activates it. Further, when the identifier is read from the connected external storage medium and the identifier is authenticated, the enabling means enables the communication function by the communication program. Therefore, it is possible to add the communication function in an effective state in which the external storage medium storing the permitted identifier is connected. The authentication of the identifier may be performed by sending the identifier to a device external to the printing device and accepting the authentication result performed in that device, or by the printing device.

  In the printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, a second firmware program including the communication program is stored in the external storage medium, and the second activation unit is configured to receive the second firmware from the external storage medium. It is preferable to load the program and restart it.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second activation unit reads the second firmware program from the external storage medium and reboots, thereby adding a communication function. Instead of the first firmware program, the second firmware program that can add the communication function is restarted to replace each function other than the communication function. For example, the communication program can be executed while the first firmware program is activated. Operational errors are less likely to occur compared to configurations that are additionally activated.

  In the printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, when the detection unit detects the connection of the external storage medium in a state where the printing apparatus is connected to the server that provides the communication service through the network, or It is preferable to further include a log-on means for logging on to the server when an operation signal for instructing the activation of the communication function is input from the operation means after detecting the connection.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the detection unit detects the connection of the external storage medium in a state where the printing apparatus is connected to the server providing the communication service and the network, or after the connection is detected. When an operation signal instructing activation of the communication function is input from the operation unit, the printing device is logged on to the server by the logon unit. For this reason, the printing apparatus can be provided with a communication service from the server. For example, printing based on data transmitted from one printing apparatus between the printing apparatuses can be performed by another printing apparatus. In addition, when the detection unit detects the connection of the external storage medium, when the logon unit logs on to the server, when the external storage medium is connected to the printing apparatus, the transmission source from the source stored in the server until then is It is also possible for the printing apparatus to receive and print the data.

  In the printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the identifier is transmitted to the logged-on server, and a notification that the identifier is authenticated by the authentication unit of the server and registered in the registration unit of the server is sent. When receiving from the server, the enabling means preferably enables the communication function.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the identifier is transmitted to the logged-on server and a notification that the identifier is authenticated by the server authentication unit and registered in the registration unit is received from the server, the validation unit in the printing apparatus Enables the communication function. Therefore, the use of the communication function can be permitted only to users who have been authorized by the identifier being authenticated at the server.

  In the printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the communication function receives data transmitted from another printing apparatus connected to an external storage medium via the server, and based on the received data. A function for performing printing is preferable.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to receive data transmitted from another printing apparatus connected to an external storage medium via a server and perform printing based on the received data. For example, when a communication function is added by connecting an external storage medium to a printing device, data transmitted from another printing device and stored in the server until then is received, and printing based on the data is performed. Is possible.

  In the printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the identifier is a communication number assigned to the printing apparatus to which the external storage medium is connected, and the communication number corresponds to an IP address assigned to the printing apparatus. It is preferable to receive from the server data assigned with its own IP address corresponding to the communication number designated as the transmission destination.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the communication number assigned to the printing apparatus to which the external storage medium is connected is associated with the IP address assigned to the printing apparatus, so the communication number designated as the transmission destination Can be received from the server by specifying its own IP address corresponding to. That is, data can be transmitted between printing apparatuses by IP communication via a server, and printing based on the data can be performed at a destination printing apparatus.

  In the printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the communication program includes a transmission program and a reception program, and the first firmware program includes only the reception program among the transmission program and the reception program. In addition, it is preferable that data can be received from the server by the reception function based on the reception program even in a state where disconnection of the external storage medium is detected.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, data can be received from the server by the reception function based on the reception program in the first firmware program even when the disconnection of the external storage medium is detected. Therefore, since data can be received without connecting an external storage medium, it is easy to avoid forgetting to perform printing by receiving data transmitted from another printing apparatus or the like.

  In the printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, after the activation by the second activation unit, when the detection unit detects disconnection of the external storage medium, the communication function based on the communication program is invalidated. It is preferable to further include an invalidating means.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the disconnection of the external storage medium that has been detected for connection is detected, the disabling means disables the communication function based on the communication program. For this reason, when the detection means detects reconnection of the external storage medium, the communication function can be used again by the enabling means enabling the disabled communication function. For example, each time an external storage medium is reconnected, there is no need to read the communication program from the external storage medium and start it, and only the communication function validation process is required, so the communication function can be used immediately. Can be.

  In the printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, when the display unit, the operation unit, and the communication function are enabled, a user interface of the communication function is displayed on the display unit in a state where the selection operation by the operation unit is possible It is preferable to further include display control means for displaying on the display means in an invalid state in which the user interface is erased or cannot be selected when the communication function is invalid.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the communication function is valid, the user interface of the communication function is displayed on the display unit in a state where the selection operation by the operation unit is possible. Therefore, communication using the communication function becomes possible by operating the operation means and selecting the user interface of the communication function. Further, when the communication function is invalid, the user interface is displayed on the display means in an invalid state in which the user interface cannot be deleted or selected. Therefore, when the communication function is invalid, the communication function cannot be selected even by operating the operation means. For example, after the external storage medium is removed, even if the communication function is provided as it is inside the printing apparatus, the user cannot use the communication function.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, in the function addition method of the printing apparatus, whether or not an external storage medium is connected to a first startup step of reading and starting the first firmware program from the nonvolatile storage means when the power is turned on. A detection step of detecting a connection, a second startup step of reading a communication program capable of giving a communication function to the printing apparatus from the external storage medium and detecting the connection when the connection of the external storage medium is detected, and the connection being detected And an enabling step for enabling the communication function if the identifier is read from the external storage medium and the identifier is authenticated. According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as the invention relating to the printing apparatus.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment that embodies the present invention. The block diagram which shows the function structure of the printer and server before a communication function addition. The block diagram which shows the function structure of the printer and server after a communication function addition. The schematic diagram which shows the hierarchical structure of the data in an external storage medium. (A) A schematic diagram showing a data communication setting file and (b) a firmware program with a communication function. (A)-(c) The schematic diagram which shows the screen transition of a display part. 5 is a flowchart showing an external storage medium detection processing routine. 7 is a flowchart showing an external storage medium extraction processing routine. The flowchart which shows a server processing routine.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. A printer 11 as an example of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is a multifunction machine having both a scanner function, a print function, and a copy function. The printer 11 is connected to the server 100 via the Internet NW and has a network communication function capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the server 100.

  The printer 11 includes a controller 12 that performs overall control, an operation panel 13, a scan engine 14, a print engine 15 (print engine), a facsimile communication unit (hereinafter referred to as “FAX communication unit 16”), an external memory interface ( Hereinafter, it is provided with an “external memory I / F 17”) and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as “communication I / F 18”). The operation panel 13 includes an operation unit 13A for a user to operate, and a display unit 13B for displaying menus, various setting items, images to be printed, and the like. For example, when the user operates the operation unit 13A from the menu of the display unit 13B and selects printing, the setting items at the time of printing are displayed on the display unit 13B as the paper type, paper size, print quality, print color, number of prints, and the like. A setting screen for selecting setting values of various setting items is displayed, and setting contents (setting values) of various setting items are set by selecting and operating the operation unit 13A.

  The external memory I / F 17 is for the controller 12 to access the external storage medium 20 inserted in the slot 19 of the printer 11. The controller 12 can access the external storage medium 20 via the external memory I / F 17 to search for data (file) in the external storage medium 20 and read (read) data. Note that the external memory I / F 17 of this example can also write data such as image data to the external storage medium 20.

  The communication I / F 18 is for connecting the printer 11 to the server 100 via the Internet NW, and is a known communication interface that performs communication control according to a predetermined communication protocol. The printer 11 can communicate with the server 100 by connecting to the Internet NW via the communication I / F 18. The server 100 according to the present embodiment supports transmission / reception of data between a plurality of printers 11 connected to the Internet NW, and documents, images, and the like based on data transmitted from one printer 11 are transmitted to the destination printer 11. Providing services that can be printed. In order to receive this service, a communication number that also serves as an identification number (ID) needs to be set in the printer 11. In the present embodiment, only the printer 11 in which the external storage medium 20 storing the communication number data is inserted into the slot 19 can receive the service. That is, in this example, the external storage medium 20 in which the communication number is stored functions as a dongle (permission key) for the printer 11 to receive a service.

  For example, the plurality of printers 11 shown in FIG. 1 are printers 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D as shown in parentheses () in FIG. When the external storage medium 20 that functions as a dongle is inserted into one of the plurality of printers 11A, the printer 11A transmits the other printer by designating the communication number of the printer 11A, and is temporarily stored in the server 100. The received data can be received from the server 100. Then, the printer 11A can write the received data to the data storage area DA in the external storage medium 20, and can print a document or an image based on the received data. Further, when the external storage medium 20 is inserted into, for example, another printer 11B, the printer 11B becomes a printer with a communication number. In other words, as long as the external storage medium 20 is inserted, it is possible to receive and print data addressed to the user's communication number using a local printer such as a business trip destination or a travel destination.

  The scan engine 14 includes an optical (CCD or CMOS) reading device in a row and a drive system including a motor for moving the reading device in a scanning direction that is a document reading direction. The The print engine 15 includes a conveyance drive system including a conveyance motor that conveys a sheet, which is an example of a print medium, and a print head that performs printing by attaching ink supplied from a cartridge to the sheet. The print head employs an inkjet recording system or a dot impact recording system, but a laser recording system in which toner is fixed on a sheet for printing can also be employed.

  The FAX communication unit 16 includes a ring detection unit that is connected to a telephone line (not shown) and can detect incoming calls via the telephone line. When the controller 12 recognizes that there is an incoming fax via the telephone line by the input of the ring detection signal from the ring detection unit, the controller 12 sets the FAX communication unit 16 in a connected state, and fax data sent via the telephone line. Is received via the FAX communication unit 16. The FAX communication unit 16 is also used when transmitting fax data from the printer 11.

  The operation unit 13A includes a power switch operated to turn on / off the printer 11, a selection switch for selecting and operating a selection item in the menu screen displayed on the display unit 13B, A start switch for instructing the start of a predetermined operation is included. Of course, as the display unit 13B, a touch panel type capable of inputting the pressed selection item by lightly pressing (touching) the screen can be adopted.

  In the printer 11, the controller 12 drives and controls the scan engine 14 and the print engine 15, and causes the print engine 15 to print an image based on the image data of the document read by the scan engine 14, thereby “copying” the document. Further, the printer 11 is selected and operated by the user while displaying the image on the display unit 13B from each image based on the plurality of image data stored in the external storage medium 20 by the controller 12 driving and controlling the print engine 15. Perform “card printing” to print the image. In addition, in a state in which the printer 11 is connected to a host device (not shown), the controller 12 drives and controls the scan engine 14 to “scan” the document and transfer the scan data to the host device. It is also possible to print an image based on print data received from an internal printer driver (not shown).

  Here, “card printing” refers to reading image data selected by the user on the operation panel 13 from various data stored in the external storage medium 20 such as a memory card inserted in the slot 19. This is a mode for printing an image (photo or the like) based on the image data. In particular, the printer 11 of this example has a facsimile function (FAX function), and can transmit and receive a FAX and print a received FAX image. The printer 11 according to the present embodiment can also print an image based on image data read from a USB memory inserted in a USB port connector (not shown) provided in the main body. Further, the printer 11 can print an image based on image data read from a disk (optical disk or magnetic disk) set on a tray of a disk reading device (not shown) provided in the main body.

  As described above, the external storage medium 20 of this embodiment is a portable type such as a memory card inserted into and removed from the slot 19, a USB memory inserted into the connector, and a disk (optical disk or magnetic disk) set in the disk reader. Refers to a storage device. The external storage medium 20 includes an external portable hard disk device connected to a USB connector, for example.

  The controller 12 of this embodiment includes a computer 21 (microcomputer). The computer 21 includes a CPU 22 (central processing unit), an ASIC 23 (Application Specific IC), a nonvolatile memory 24, and a RAM 25. The CPU 22 executes a program stored in the non-volatile memory 24, thereby accepting an operation signal when the operation unit 13A is operated to the printer 11 and switching display contents of the display unit 13B according to the operation signal. Predetermined operations such as scanning, printing, copying, and FAX are performed. The ASIC 23 performs image processing for generating head control data in a format that can be used by the print head drive system based on the image data input by the printer 11, and transfers the generated head control data to the print head drive system. By doing so, it controls the recording head. In addition, it is good also as a structure which abolishes ASIC23 and CPU22 performs all the processes and control.

  The nonvolatile memory 24 includes a boot program for starting up the printer 11, a program for OS (operating system), and a firmware program (for firmware) for causing the printer 11 to perform predetermined operations such as printing, copying, and FAX. Program data) and various setting data. At least the firmware program is stored in the nonvolatile memory 24 in a compressed state. The CPU 22 reads each program from the non-volatile memory 24 when the printer 11 is turned on, expands the read program on the RAM 25, and activates the program.

  Next, the functional configuration of the computer 21, the data configuration in the nonvolatile memory 24 and the external storage medium 20, and the functional configuration of the server 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Here, FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the printer 11 when the external storage medium 20 is in a disconnected state, and FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the printer 11 when the external storage medium 20 is in a connected state. FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration constructed in the computer 21 by the CPU 22 executing the first firmware program FW1 stored in the nonvolatile memory 24. FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration constructed in the computer 21 when the CPU 22 executes the second firmware program FW2 stored in the external storage medium 20.

  First, the functional configuration of the printer 11 when the external storage medium 20 is not connected will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the nonvolatile memory 24 in the printer 11 stores a first firmware program FW1, model information TI indicating the model of the printer 11, and an IP address AD for Internet connection.

  In the computer 21, in addition to the nonvolatile memory 24 and the RAM 25, units 30 to 40 constructed by the CPU 22 executing the first firmware program FW1 are provided. Each of the units 30 to 40 includes a main control unit 30 that performs overall control, and each unit 31 to 34, 38, and 39 that is mainly activated when the external storage medium 20 is detected. It is divided into each section 35 to 37, 40 that performs a predetermined operation including a printing operation, a FAX operation, and a display operation. First, each part 31-34, 38, 39 will be described, and then each part 35-37, 40 will be described.

  The detection unit 31, which is an example of a detection unit, detects the connection of the external storage medium 20. Specifically, the detection unit 31 detects connection / disconnection (presence / absence of connection) of the external storage medium 20 based on, for example, an input signal from the external memory I / F 17 (see FIG. 1). For example, if the input signal is low, it is not connected, and if it is high, it is connected.

The read / write unit 32 searches for data in the external storage medium 20, reads (reads) data from the external storage medium 20, and writes (rewrites) data to the external storage medium 20.
Here, as shown in FIG. 2, a data storage area DA is provided in the external storage medium 20, and the read / write unit 32 accesses the external storage medium 20 to access the data storage area DA. Reading of image data and the like and writing of image data and the like to the data storage area DA are performed. For example, at the time of “card printing”, the reading / writing unit 32 reads out image data to be printed from the data storage area DA and passes it to the print processing unit 36 for use in printing. The communication number acquisition unit 33 and the logon processing unit 34 are activated when the external storage medium 20 (see FIG. 3) that functions as a dongle (permission key) is connected to the printer 11. This will be described later together with the functional configuration of the computer 21 shown in FIG.

  When the expansion unit 38 detects the external storage medium 20 shown in FIG. 3 used as a dongle (permission key), the expansion unit 38 expands the compressed second firmware program FW2 read from the external storage medium 20 into the RAM 25. Do. In the present example, the main control unit 30 performs a decompression process for decompressing the compressed first firmware program FW1 read from the nonvolatile memory 24 on the RAM 25 when the printer 11 is turned on.

  The restart unit 39 performs a restart process (reboot process) for restarting the second firmware program FW2 expanded in the RAM 25. In the present embodiment, the main control unit 30 performs the activation process of the first firmware program FW1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 30 constitutes an example of a first activation unit, and the restart unit 39 constitutes an example of a second activation unit.

  The first display processing unit 40 displays a user interface screen (hereinafter referred to as “UI screen”) such as a menu screen and a setting screen on the display unit 13B. For example, the first firmware program FW1 includes first user interface screen data such as a menu screen and a setting screen (hereinafter simply referred to as “first UI screen data”). The first display processing unit 40 displays a first UI screen 51 (FIG. 6A) that is a menu screen after the printer 11 is turned on, or “copy” displayed as a selection target in the first UI screen 51. , One setting screen selected from a plurality of functions (modes) such as “card printing” and “FAX” is displayed.

  When the copy processing unit 35 receives an instruction to execute “copy” by operating the operation unit 13A, the copy processing unit 35 drives the scan engine 14 to read the document, and generates print data based on the read image data of the document. Then, the print engine 15 is driven to print (copy) an image based on the print data.

  When receiving an instruction to execute “card printing” in a state where a normal external storage medium is inserted in the slot 19, the print processing unit 36 generates print data based on image data read from the external storage medium, An image based on the print data is printed by driving the print engine 15. In addition to card printing, the print processing unit 36 also controls printing of images based on print data received from the host device.

  When the FAX processing unit 37 recognizes that there is an incoming fax via the telephone line by the input of the ring detection signal from the ring detection unit of the FAX communication unit 16, the FAX processing unit 37 sets the FAX communication unit 16 in the connected state and passes through the telephone line. Then, a reception process for receiving the fax data sent via the FAX communication unit 16 is performed. The FAX processing unit 37 also performs a transmission process for transmitting fax data from the printer 11 via the FAX communication unit 16.

  Here, the external storage medium 20 shown in FIG. 2 inserted into the printer 11 is used as a dongle (permission key). When the user wants to add a communication function to the printer 11, the user inserts the external storage medium 20 having a dongle function into the slot 19 of the printer 11. Even when a normal external storage medium having no dongle function is inserted, the printer 11 can perform “card printing” for printing an image based on image data in the external storage medium.

  In the present embodiment, a communication function is added to the printer 11 by executing the second firmware program FW2 read by the printer 11 from the external storage medium 20 connected to the printer 11. For this reason, since there is no communication function when the external storage medium 20 is not connected and when a normal external storage medium that does not have a dongle function is connected, as shown in FIG. A first UI screen 51 is displayed on which each function (mode) of “print” and “FAX” can be selected.

  On the other hand, in the server 100, the internal CPU executes the program data stored in the RAM, so that the authentication unit 101 and the registration unit 102 are built therein. Further, the server 100 is provided with a data storage unit 103 including at least a part of the storage area of the RAM. Each of the units 101 and 102 is activated when there is an access for receiving provision of an additional service from the printer 11 in which the external storage medium 20 is inserted. The functions of the units 101 to 103 will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, a functional configuration of the printer 11 when the external storage medium 20 having a dongle function is connected will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the external storage medium 20 includes a second firmware program FW2 prepared for each printer model, a data storage area DA for storing data of communication number CN, image data, and the like. . Here, the second firmware program FW2 is prepared to add a communication function service to the functions (copy, card printing, FAX) of the printer 11 realized by the first firmware program FW1.

First, the data structure in the external storage medium 20 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, there is an IP print folder “IPPRINT” in the lower hierarchy of “Root”, and in the lower hierarchy, there are a reception folder “RCV”, a setup folder “SETUP”, a transmission folder “SND”, a firmware There is a data folder “FIRMDATA”, a content folder “CONTENTS”, and a user data folder “USERDAT”.

  The reception folder “RCV” is created every time data is received by IP communication. In the reception folder “RCV”, image data received by IP communication (for example, image data in jpeg format) is stored in association with each communication number of the transmission source.

  A setup file SF for data communication is stored in the setup folder “SETUP”. As shown in FIG. 5A, setting information for IP communication is described in the setting file SF for data communication, and one of them includes a communication number CN. The communication number CN is provided as a telephone number for performing IP communication between the printers 11, for example, and is used as an identification number for allowing the server 100 to permit the communication service described above. The transmission folder “SND” stores unsent data and transmission failure data.

  In the firmware data folder “FIRMDATA”, a second firmware program FW2 for adding a communication function service to the printer is prepared for each printer model. In the example shown in FIG. 4, three types of firmware program with model A communication function, firmware program with model B communication function, and model C firmware program with communication function are stored as the second firmware program FW2. Among these, one second firmware program FW2 corresponding to the model of the printer to which the external storage medium 20 is connected is read into the printer.

  The content folder “CONTENTS” stores content data groups for data communication. The printer 11 that is executing the second firmware program FW2 displays various pieces of content information on the display unit 13B using the content data group. For example, content information for advertisement is also prepared, and when the predetermined time is regular or irregular, the content information is displayed on the display unit 13B to notify the user of the predetermined information or promote the content.

  The user data folder “USERDAT” stores address book data, transmission history data, and reception history data. The address book data is list data in which registrant names and communication numbers are associated with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the firmware program with model A communication function (second firmware program) FW2 communicates with the parts common to the firmware program before model A function addition (first firmware program FW1). The second UI screen data corresponding to the function and an additional portion including a communication function portion including a communication program.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the units 30 to 39 constructed by software in the computer 21 are the same as those in FIG. 2. When the detecting unit 31 shown in FIG. 3 detects the connection of the external storage medium 20 to the printer 11, the reading / writing unit 32 searches for data in the external storage medium 20 and searches for the setting file SF. In the example of FIG. 3, since the setting file SF is found in the external storage medium 20, the reading / writing unit 32 reads this setting file SF. The read / write unit 32 passes the read setting file SF to the communication number acquisition unit 33.

The communication number acquisition unit 33 acquires the communication number CN described from the setting file SF.
When at least the communication number acquisition unit 33 acquires the communication number CN, the logon processing unit 34 performs logon processing by accessing the server 100 and sending the communication number. The communication number is used as an identification number when the server 100 performs logon processing. The logon processing unit 34 also performs logout processing when canceling the logon state to the server 100.

  Here, the functional configuration of the server 100 will be described. The authentication unit 101 included in the server 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 performs an authentication process for determining whether or not the communication number received from the printer 11 is valid. When the authentication unit 101 determines that the communication number is a regular communication number and authentication is obtained, the registration unit 102 registers the authenticated communication number and notifies the printer 11 that the communication number is registered.

  Upon receipt of this communication number registration, the main control unit 30 in the printer 11 reads the printer model information from the nonvolatile memory 24, and reads the second firmware program FW2 corresponding to the model in the reading / writing unit 32. Instruct. The read / write unit 32 reads the second firmware program FW2 corresponding to the model A of the printer 11 from the external storage medium 20.

  The expansion unit 38 expands the second firmware program FW2 in a compressed state corresponding to the model A of the printer 11A read from the external storage medium 20 by the reading / writing unit 32 into the RAM 25.

  When the decompressing unit 38 decompresses the compressed second firmware program FW2 in the RAM 25, the restarting unit 39 restarts the printer 11 (reboot process). By this restart, the additional service unit 41 shown in FIG. 3 realized by a part (communication program) of the second firmware program FW2 is added to the printer 11.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the additional service unit 41 includes a communication unit 42 for realizing communication between the printers 11, and a second UI screen 52 (FIG. 6 ( a second display processing unit 43 for displaying b) on the display unit 13B, an invalidation processing unit 44 for invalidating the additional service unit 41, an activation processing unit 45 for validating the additional service unit 41, and the like. I have.

  The communication unit 42 specifies a transmission number of a transmission destination and transmits data to the server 100, and a reception unit 42B that receives data stored in the data storage unit 103 of the server 100 from the server 100. With.

  The second display processing unit 43 is activated by restarting the printer 11 and is based on second user interface screen data (hereinafter referred to as “second UI screen data”) in the second firmware program FW2 as shown in FIG. The 2UI screen 52 is displayed on the display unit 13B.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the first UI screen 51 before insertion of the external storage medium 20 displays display areas 61 to 63 for three functions of “copy”, “card print”, and “FAX”. Is done. When the external storage medium 20 is inserted into the slot 19 in this state, the communication number is registered in the server 100 and restarted after the second firmware program FW2 of the printer 11 is expanded, as shown in FIG. A display area 64 of “IP communication” is added. That is, initially, the second UI screen 52 is displayed with the IP communication enabled.

  The invalidation processing unit 44 illustrated in FIG. 3 performs processing for invalidating the communication function provided by the additional service unit 41 when the external storage medium 20 is removed. That is, the portion related to the communication function (additional service portion) of the second firmware program FW2 expanded and activated in the RAM 25 is invalidated. At this time, when the second display processing unit 43 receives the invalidation instruction from the invalidation processing unit 44, the display area 64 of “IP communication” that was valid on the second UI screen 52 shown in FIG. 6B is invalidated. The “IP communication” display area 64 is grayed out as shown in the third UI screen 53 of FIG. As a result, when the external storage medium 20 is removed, the third UI screen shown in FIG. 6C in which the display area 64 of “IP communication” is grayed out (invalidated) from the second UI screen 52 in FIG. 6B. Switch to 53. On the third UI screen 53, the selection operation of the operation unit 13A for selecting the display area 64 of “IP communication” becomes impossible. That is, “IP communication” cannot be selected on the third UI screen 53. As a result, the communication function of the additional service becomes unusable.

  3 is displayed in the state where the third UI screen 53 in which the display area 64 of “IP communication” shown in FIG. 6C is invalidated is displayed. 19, when the detection unit 31 detects that it has been reinserted, processing for re-enabling the communication function provided by the additional service unit 41 is performed. That is, the portion related to the communication function in the second firmware program FW2 expanded and activated in the RAM 25 is validated. At this time, when the second display processing unit 43 receives the activation instruction from the activation processing unit 45, the second IP processing unit 43 validates the display area 64 of “IP communication” that was invalid in the third UI screen 53 shown in FIG. As shown in the second UI screen 52 of FIG. 6B, the display area 64 of “IP communication” is switched to a display state that is not grayed out. As a result, when the external storage medium 20 is reconnected, the third UI screen 53 shown in FIG. 6C is switched to the second UI screen 52 shown in FIG. 6B. That is, the display area 64 of “IP communication” that has been invalidated is validated, and the selection operation of IP communication by the operation unit 13A becomes possible.

  When the communication number CN in the setting file SF searched and read by the reading / writing unit 32 is acquired by the communication number acquiring unit 33, the logon processing unit 34 sends the communication number CN to the server via the Internet NW. To 100. The server 100 performs an authentication process for determining whether or not the received communication number CN is registered. If the server 100 is authenticated, the server 100 registers the communication number CN.

  With this registration, it is possible to perform IP printing by designating a communication number from one printer and transmitting data to the other printer via the server 100 and printing a document or image based on the data to the destination printer. . Of course, the transmission source may be an electronic device capable of IP communication such as a personal computer. In this case, it is possible to transmit data such as an image to be printed by designating the communication number of the transmission destination. At this time, when the external storage medium 20 is connected, the printer 11 receives data addressed to its own communication number and stores the data in the data storage area of the external storage medium 20 or based on the data. Images can be printed.

  The data storage unit 103 of the server 100 temporarily stores data received by the server 100 from the transmission source printer 11 and other electronic devices. When the printer 11 to which the destination communication number is assigned is connected to the server 100, the server 100 transmits the data temporarily stored in the data storage unit 103 to the destination printer 11. Since the server 100 acquires the IP address of the printer 11 when registering the communication number and stores the communication number and the IP address in association with each other, the server 100 designates the IP address associated with the registered communication number. Send data. For this reason, data is transmitted to the printer 11 to which the communication number designated as the transmission destination is assigned.

  When “IP communication” is selected by operating the operation unit 13A in a state where the second UI screen 52 shown in FIG. 6B is displayed, the communication unit 42 shown in FIG. 3 is activated. In the activated state of the communication unit 42, the address book in the external storage medium 20 can be displayed on the display unit 13B, and the transmission destination can be designated from the address book. Then, by operating the operation unit 13A according to the guidance on the communication screen displayed on the display unit 13B, the image data to be printed is selected, the communication number of the transmission destination is specified, and the like. It is possible to print an image based on the print data by the transmission destination and the destination printer.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the external storage medium 20 stores a plurality of types of second firmware programs FW2 corresponding to a plurality of models of the printer 11 (for example, model A, model B, model C). . The nonvolatile memory 24 stores model data (for example, model number data) that can identify the model of the printer 11, and the main control unit 30 reads the model data or the model information identified from the model data. / Tell the writing unit 32. The read / write unit 32 reads the second firmware program FW2 corresponding to the model instructed by the main control unit 30 from the external storage medium 20. For example, if the printer 11 shown in FIG. 2 is model A, the reading / writing unit 32 searches the data in the external storage medium 20 for the second firmware program FW2 corresponding to the model A, and obtains the search result. The read second firmware program FW2 is read from the external storage medium 20.

  The communication number acquisition unit 33 acquires the communication number data stored in the external storage medium 20 by reading it through the read / write unit 32. And the communication number acquisition part 33 transmits the data of the acquired communication number to the server 100 via the internet NW. The transmission of the communication number at this time is performed in detail via the communication I / F 18 (see FIG. 1).

  The logon processing unit 34 connects to the Internet via the communication I / F 18, and performs a process of logging on to the server 100 by accessing an IP address (not shown) of a specified server 100 stored in the nonvolatile memory 24. .

  Next, the operation of the printer 11 will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 with reference to the screen transition diagrams shown in FIGS. First, the external storage medium detection processing routine shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

  First, in step S11, it is determined whether or not the external storage medium 20 has been detected (detected). If the connection of the external storage medium 20 is not detected, the routine ends. On the other hand, if the connection of the external storage medium 20 is detected, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, it is determined whether or not the country is a country-specific destination country. Here, the communication service provided by the server 100 can be used only in a predetermined destination country. Therefore, if the country does not correspond to the country-specific destination, the process ends. If the country corresponds to the country-specific destination, the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the setting file SF for data communication in the external storage medium 20 is searched.
In the next step S14, it is determined whether or not there is a setting file SF for data communication. If there is no setting file SF, the routine is terminated. If there is a setting file SF, the process proceeds to step S15.

In step S15, the second firmware program corresponding to the model of the printer 11 is read from the external storage medium 20, loaded, and restarted.
In the next step S16, the server 100 is notified of the communication number in the setting file SF.

  In the next step S17, it is determined whether a communication number registration notification has been received from the server. That is, it is determined whether a notification that the communication number notified from the printer 11 to the server 100 is registered in the server 100 is received from the server 100. If there is a registration notification from the server 100, the process proceeds to step S18, and the second UI screen 52 is displayed. If the server 100 notifies the server 100 of the communication number CN that there is no registration notification or a notification that registration cannot be performed after a predetermined time has elapsed, the routine is terminated.

  In the next step S19, the IP communication function is validated. That is, the communication unit 42 is activated, and the printer 11 can transmit and receive data to and from the server 100 via the Internet NW. At this time, if data addressed to the communication number assigned to the printer 11A is stored in the server 100, the server 100 designates an IP address corresponding to the communication number and transmits the data to the printer 11A.

  In step S20, it is determined whether data is received from server 100. If no data is received, the routine ends. On the other hand, if data is received, the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S21, a print target such as a document or an image based on the received data is printed. That is, when the external storage medium 20 is connected to the printer 11A, a communication number CN is assigned to the printer 11A. If data having the communication number CN as a transmission destination is stored in the server 100 at that time, the data is stored. The data is transmitted to the printer 11A, and printing based on the received data is performed by the printer 11A.

  Thereafter, when the communication number CN is registered, when the user operates the operation unit 13A on the second UI screen 52 shown in FIG. 6B and selects “IP communication”, the communication unit 42 shown in FIG. 3 is activated. And a communication screen is displayed. In this communication screen, the user displays the address book on the display unit 13B by operating the operation unit 13A, specifies the communication number of the destination from among them, and specifies the data to be printed on the destination printer. Perform sending operation. As a result of the transmission execution operation, the communication unit 42 (specifically, the transmission unit 42A) transmits data including the communication number of the transmission destination to the server 100. If the transmission destination printer is already registered (that is, the server 100) If the printer connected to the external storage medium 20 storing the destination communication number is connected to the network), the data is transmitted to the printer having the IP address specified by the communication number. As a result, in the printer to which the external storage medium 20 storing the transmission destination communication number is connected, data reception by IP communication and printing of documents and images based on the received data are performed.

  For example, when the external storage medium 20 is connected to the printer 11A and the user A transmits data, and the user B connects the external storage medium 20 storing the communication number designated as the transmission destination to the same printer 11A. Mr. B can also obtain the data transmitted by Mr. A by printing with the same printer.

  In addition, if you always receive and print correction sheets and periodic distribution materials with your home printer 11A, if you happen to go to an accommodation in a travel destination or a distant acquaintance's home, the printer at that accommodation or acquaintance's home By connecting the external storage medium 20 to 11B, it is possible to print and obtain correction results and materials as usual with the printer 11B.

  Here, an external storage medium removal processing routine that is performed when the external storage medium 20 is removed from the printer 11 because the communication function is unnecessary will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in step S31, it is determined whether or not the removal of the external storage medium 20 is detected. If the removal of the external storage medium 20 is detected, the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, if the removal is not detected, the routine ends.

In step S32, the server 100 is requested to delete the registration of the communication number.
In the next step S33, the IP communication function is invalidated. That is, the invalidation processing unit 44 performs invalidation processing for invalidating the additional service unit 41. The second UI screen 52 shown in FIG. 6B displayed on the display unit 13B by this invalidation processing is changed to the third UI screen 53 shown in FIG. 6C in which the display area 64 of “IP communication” is grayed out. Switch. As a result, the grayed-out “IP communication” selection operation becomes impossible.

  For this reason, the user cannot use the IP communication function of the additional service. As described above, since the IP communication function can be performed only when the external storage medium 20 is connected, only the authorized user can use the IP communication function.

  On the other hand, the server 100 performs a server processing routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 for registering and deleting the communication number. That is, in step S41 shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not a communication number is notified from the printer 11. If there is a communication number notification, the process proceeds to step S42, and if there is no communication number notification, the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S42, a communication number is registered. At this time, since the notification number also serves as the identification number, the authentication unit 101 performs authentication to determine whether or not the communication number is permitted. be registered. If the authentication is not successful, a notification indicating that the communication number is rejected is transmitted to the printer 11.

  In step S43, it is determined whether or not there is a communication number registration deletion request from the printer 11. If there is a registration deletion request, the process proceeds to step S44, and if there is no registration deletion request, the routine ends.

  Here, when the notification number is registered, the server 100 searches whether data having the notification number as a transmission destination is stored in the data storage unit 103, and if the corresponding data exists, communicates the data. The IP address corresponding to the number is designated and transmitted to the printer 11.

As described above in detail, in the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Since the communication function is added by reading the second firmware program FW2 from the external storage medium 20 and starting it when the connection of the external storage medium 20 is detected, only the authorized user can use the printer 11 Can use the communication function.

  (2) When the external storage medium 20 is removed and no connection is detected, the communication function is invalidated, so that the activation state of the second firmware program FW2 can be maintained. For this reason, in order to invalidate the communication function and validate other functions such as the printing function, it is not necessary to perform the process of developing and starting the first firmware program.

  (3) After the external storage medium 20 is removed, the second firmware program FW2 is in a start-up state in which only the communication function is invalidated. After that, when the external storage medium 20 is reconnected, it is activated. The communication function can be added simply by the processing unit 45 performing the communication function validation process. For this reason, it is not necessary to expand and restart the second firmware program FW2 every time the external storage medium 20 is reconnected. That is, when the external storage medium 20 is reconnected, a communication function can be quickly added.

  (4) If the reading / writing unit 32 can search the external storage medium 20 and acquire the setting file SF, the communication number CN in the setting file SF is transmitted to the server 100 to request registration of the communication number CN. When the server 100 receives from the server 100 a registration notification that the communication number CN has been authenticated and registered in the server 100, the printer 11 enables the communication function by the activation processing unit 45 and displays the “IP communication” display area. The second UI screen 52 on which 64 (user interface) is enabled is displayed on the display unit 13B. As described above, since the communication function is enabled only when the server 100 is authenticated using the communication number CN as an identification number (identifier), the authorized user who has connected the external storage medium 20 in which the regular communication number CN is stored is connected. Only the communication function can be used in the printer 11.

  (5) When the external storage medium 20 in which the regular communication number CN is stored is connected to the printer 11, transmission data from other printers that have been stored in the server 100 until the communication function is given to the printer 11. Can be received. Then, the print processing unit 36 controls the print engine 15 based on the head control data obtained by performing the printing process on the received data, so that a print target such as a document or an image based on the received data is changed to a print medium such as paper. Can be printed on.

  (6) When the external storage medium 20 is removed, the second display processing unit 43 (display control means) from the second UI screen 52 in which the display area 64 of “IP communication” can be selected, Display control is performed to switch to the third UI screen 53 in which the “IP communication” display area 64 is disabled (grayed out). For this reason, the user can visually recognize that the external storage medium 20 has been removed and the communication function is disabled, indicating that the third UI screen 53 has been displayed on the display unit 13B.

  (7) When the external storage medium 20 is reconnected, the second display processing unit 43 (display control means) is in an invalid (grayed out) state in which the display area 64 of “IP communication” cannot be selected. Display control is performed to switch from the 3 UI screen 53 to the second UI screen 52 in which the display area 64 of “IP communication” is enabled. For this reason, the user can visually recognize that the external storage medium 20 has been reconnected and the communication function has been enabled by displaying the second UI screen 52 on the display unit 13B.

In addition, the said embodiment can also be changed into the following forms.
The first firmware program may include only the reception program among the transmission program and the reception program constituting the communication program. That is, the transmission function is added only when the external storage medium 20 is connected, but the reception function is valid from the beginning regardless of whether the external storage medium 20 is connected. In this case, the communication number is stored in the non-volatile memory of the printer, and when the external storage medium 20 is not connected, the printer is registered in the server as a dedicated reception by transmitting the communication number to the server. According to this configuration, even when the external storage medium 20 is not connected, a document or an image based on the received data can be printed. For this reason, it is difficult to forget to print from the transmission source. Even when the external storage medium is not connected, the information site information sent from the server can be received by the receiving function. In this case, it is preferable that the information site information can be selected to be stored as data in the data storage area DA of the external storage medium 20 or to be printed, depending on user settings.

  -It is good also as a structure which only makes the display area 64 which is a user interface of a communication function (IP communication) invalid (gray-out) state, without invalidating a communication function. In this case, since the selection operation of “IP communication” serving as a trigger for executing the communication program is disabled, the communication function can be substantially disabled even if the communication function itself is valid. Further, since it is only necessary to switch the UI screen displayed on the display unit 13B, processing necessary for disabling the communication function can be simplified.

  -It is not limited to the structure which adds the communication function based on a communication program by replacing the 1st firmware program which does not have a communication program with the 2nd firmware program which has a communication program, and restarting. For example, the communication program may be read from the external storage medium 20 into another area of the memory and activated while the first firmware program is activated.

  The logon processing unit is configured to automatically log on to the server 100 when the connection of the external storage medium 20 is detected, and further enables the communication function from the user when the connection of the external storage medium 20 is detected. The server 100 may be logged on when an operation signal to that effect is input. In this case, when the connection of the external storage medium 20 is detected, a selection screen (confirmation screen) that prompts the user to select whether to enable the communication function is displayed on the display unit 13B, and the user who sees the selection screen operates the operation unit 13A. Thus, one of an operation for enabling the communication function and an operation for not enabling the communication function is selected. When the user receives an instruction to log on by operating the operation unit 13A, the logon processing unit 34 starts the logon process to the server 100 when the instruction is received.

  The identifier stored in the external storage medium 20 is not limited to a communication number, and may be an IP address. Further, the authentication identifier and the communication identifier for specifying the communication destination may be separately stored in the external storage medium 20. When the identifier is an IP address, the IP address assigned to the printing apparatus may be changed by inserting / removing the external storage medium.

  A configuration in which the communication function is disabled, but when the external storage medium 20 is removed and the connection is no longer detected, the second firmware program is erased by resetting its activation state, and then the first firmware program is activated. It may be adopted. In this case, when reconnection of the external storage medium 20 is detected, the second firmware program is read from the external storage medium 20 and restarted.

  The authentication using the identifier read from the external storage medium 20 is not limited to the configuration performed by the external server 100 connected to the printer 11 via the Internet NW. For example, if an authentication unit is provided in the printer, and the authentication unit in the printer 11 performs authentication processing on the communication number acquired by the communication number acquisition unit 33 from the setting file SF read from the external storage medium 20, and authentication is obtained, (2) A configuration may be adopted in which a firmware program is read and expanded and restarted.

-When it is detected that the external storage medium 20 has been removed during printing that has started under the state where the communication function has been added, the communication function may be disabled after the end of printing.
-Invalidation of the user interface of the communication function (IP communication) is not limited to gray-out. For example, the function display area 64 may be deleted. For example, the display color of the display area 64 may be reduced, the frame or character of the display area 64 may be changed from a solid line to a broken line, or the frame or character may be changed to another color. Further, the communication function user interface (display area 64) may be deleted from the screen.

  -The added communication function is not limited to IP communication. Short-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth communication or infrared communication may be used. Further, a configuration in which a USB communication function is added to a printing apparatus that does not have a USB communication function can also be employed.

-The printing device is not limited to a multifunction device. For example, the initial function may be only printing (for example, “card printing”), and a communication function may be added by connecting the external storage medium 20.
The function to be added is not limited only to the communication function (IP communication). For example, in a printer or multifunction machine having no FAX function, a configuration in which the FAX function is added in addition to the communication function by connecting the external storage medium 20 may be used. In addition to the communication function, a special color correction printing function may be added. Note that the special color correction printing function is a function capable of correcting the printing color to a special color and printing.

  -The functional part that performs processing related to the addition of the communication function among the functional units in the computer 21 in FIGS. 2 and 3 is realized mainly by software by the CPU that executes the program, but is realized by hardware such as ASIC. Or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware.

  The printing apparatus is not limited to a multifunction machine, and may be a printer having only a printing function. In addition, as a recording method of the print engine in the printing apparatus, any one of an inkjet recording method, a dot impact recording method, and a laser recording method can be adopted. The printing device may be a serial printer, a lateral printer, a line printer, or a page printer.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Printer which is an example of printing apparatus, 12 ... Controller, 13 ... Operation panel, 13A ... Operation part which is an example of an operation means, 13B ... Display part which is an example of a display means, 15 ... Print engine, 20 ... External storage Medium, 21... Computer, 22... CPU, 24... Nonvolatile memory as an example of nonvolatile storage means, 25... RAM, 30... Main controller constituting an example of first activation means, 31. A detecting unit, 32... Read / write unit, 33... A communication number acquisition unit constituting an example of an enabling unit, 34... A logon processing unit as an example of a logon unit, 35. , 37... FAX processing unit, 38... Deployment unit, 39... Restart unit as an example of second startup means, 40... First display processing unit, 41. Communication unit 43... Second display processing unit which is an example of display control means 44. Invalidation processing unit 44 which constitutes an example of invalidation means 45. ... 1st UI screen, 52 ... 2nd UI screen, 53 ... 3rd UI screen, 64 ... Display area of IP communication as an example of user interface of communication function, 100 ... Server, 101 ... Authentication unit as an example of authentication means, 102 ... Registration unit as an example of registration means, FW1 ... first firmware program, FW2 ... second firmware program as an example of second firmware program including communication program, SF ... setting file, CN ... communication number as an example of identifier TI: Model information, AD: IP address, NW: Internet as an example of a network.

Claims (10)

Non-volatile storage means storing a first firmware program;
First activation means for reading and starting the first firmware program from the nonvolatile storage means when the power is turned on;
Detecting means for detecting whether or not an external storage medium is connected;
A second activation unit that reads and activates a communication program capable of giving a communication function to the printing apparatus from the external storage medium when connection of the external storage medium is detected;
An enabling means for enabling the communication function if the identifier is read from the external storage medium in which the connection is detected and the identifier is authenticated;
A printing apparatus comprising: A second firmware program including the communication program is stored in the external storage medium;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second activation unit reads and restarts the second firmware program from the external storage medium. Under the condition that the printing device is connected to the server providing communication service through the network,
Logon means for logging on to the server when the detection means detects connection of an external storage medium or when an operation signal instructing activation of a communication function is input from the operation means after detection of the connection The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   When the notification is transmitted from the server to the logged-on server and the identifier is authenticated by the authentication unit of the server and registered in the registration unit of the server, the enabling unit is configured to transmit the communication function. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the printing apparatus is enabled.   The communication function is a function of receiving data transmitted from another printing apparatus connected to an external storage medium via the server and performing printing based on the received data. The printing apparatus according to 3 or 4.   The identifier is a communication number assigned to a printing apparatus to which the external storage medium is connected. The communication number is associated with an IP address assigned to the printing apparatus, and is designated as a transmission destination. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the printing apparatus receives data in which an IP address corresponding to the IP address is designated from the server. The communication program includes a transmission program and a reception program,
The first firmware program includes only the reception program among the transmission program and the reception program,
7. The data receiving apparatus according to claim 3, wherein data is received from the server by a receiving function based on the receiving program even in a state in which disconnection of an external storage medium is detected. A printing apparatus according to claim 1.   The apparatus further comprises an invalidating means for invalidating a communication function based on the communication program when the detecting means detects a disconnection of the external storage medium after activation by the second activation means. Item 8. The printing apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 7. Display means;
Operation means;
When the communication function is valid, the communication function user interface is displayed on the display means in a state where the selection operation by the operation means is possible. When the communication function is invalid, the user interface cannot be erased or selected. Display control means for displaying on the display means in an invalid state;
The printing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: A first activation step of reading and starting the first firmware program from the nonvolatile storage means when the power is turned on;
A detecting step for detecting whether or not an external storage medium is connected;
A second activation step of reading a communication program capable of imparting a communication function to the printing apparatus from the external storage medium and starting it when the connection of the external storage medium is detected;
If the identifier is read from the external storage medium in which the connection is detected and the identifier is authenticated, an enabling step for enabling the communication function;
A function addition method in a printing apparatus, comprising:

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