JP2003323283A - User information management method and information processing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user information management method and an information processing unit which can update user information without assigning a storage destination and can unify the management of the user information. <P>SOLUTION: The user information management method for the information processing unit including at least one or more applications, the method solving the above task with a system initialization module 122 having: a request stage for making a request of a user information management means 49 for update of the user information; and an update stage in which the user information management means 49 updates the user information in response to the request from the system initialization module 122. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a user information management method and an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to a user information management method and an information processing apparatus for updating user information stored in one or more storage means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Information processing devices such as personal computers perform various information processing by executing one or more software corresponding to various information processing.
Such an information processing device is connected to, for example, another computer or the like via a network, and distributes image information or the like using a distribution function. An information processing device having a distribution function may include, for example, distribution destination information and usage restrictions /
It has billing information as user information.

An image forming apparatus as an application example of an information processing apparatus has the functions of each device such as a printer, a copier, a facsimile and a scanner housed in one housing. The image forming apparatus is provided with a display unit, a printing unit, an image pickup unit, and the like in one housing, and four types of software corresponding to a printer, a copy, a facsimile, and a scanner, respectively, are provided, and the software is switched to change the printer, It operates as a copy machine, a facsimile machine, and a scanner.

Such an image forming apparatus is connected to another image forming apparatus or a computer via a network, and distributes image information, for example, using a distribution function. The image forming apparatus having a distribution function has, for example, distribution destination information and usage restriction / billing information as user information.

The distribution destination information manages a distribution destination and a sender. The distribution destination information has a low update frequency and is relatively easy to back up. Further, since the distribution destination information is not limited to the users who use the information processing apparatus or the image forming apparatus, the users who need to be managed are large in number.

On the other hand, the usage restriction / billing information includes availability of various functions and usage of usable functions (for example, number of used sheets).
Is to manage. Since the usage restriction / billing information is updated every time the device is used, the updating frequency is high and backup is difficult. Further, since the use restriction / billing information is limited to the users who need to manage the information processing apparatus or the image forming apparatus, the number of users who need to manage is reduced.

As described above, since the distribution destination information and the usage restriction / billing information are different in the ease of backup and the number of users who need to be managed, the conditions required for the storage device as the storage means are different. . For example, the delivery destination information requires a large-capacity storage device at the expense of speed and reliability. Further, the usage restriction / billing information requires a high-speed and highly reliable storage device at the cost of cost and capacity.

In the conventional information processing apparatus and image forming apparatus, for example, distribution destination information is stored and managed in a hard disk device, and usage restriction / billing information is stored and managed in a nonvolatile RAM.

In Patent Document 1, a display unit is provided in one housing,
An image forming apparatus that operates as a printer, a copy, a facsimile, and a scanner is provided by providing a printing unit, an imaging unit, and the like, and providing four types of software respectively corresponding to the printer, the copy, the facsimile, and the scanner, and switching the software. An example is described.

[0010]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-84383

[0011]

The conventional information processing apparatus has one or more applications respectively corresponding to various information processing. Further, the conventional image forming apparatus has an application that performs a process unique to a user service related to the image forming process such as a printer, a copy, a facsimile, and a scanner.

In order for each application to use the distribution function, it is necessary to register and manage the distribution destination information and the usage restriction / billing information in a storage device such as a hard disk device or a nonvolatile RAM in advance.

The registration or updating of such distribution destination information is performed by the system initial setting module or the like. The system initial setting module stores the distribution destination information or the usage restriction / billing information when registering or updating the distribution destination information or the usage restriction / billing information or referring to the distribution destination information or the usage restriction / billing information. There was a problem that it was necessary to judge and specify one by one.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a user information management method and an information processing apparatus capable of updating user information without designating a storage destination and centrally managing the user information. The purpose is to provide.

[0015]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 performs information processing 1
A method for managing user information of an information processing apparatus having at least one application, wherein a system initial setting module requests the user information managing unit to update the user information, and the user information managing unit includes the system. And an updating step of updating the user information in response to a request from the initialization module.

In such a user information management method, the user information management means updates the user information in response to a request from the system initial setting module, so that the system initial setting module does not specify the storage destination of the user information. The user information can be updated and the user information can be centrally managed.

Further, in the invention according to claim 2, in the updating step, the user information management means judges the storage means in which the user information corresponding to the request from the system initial setting module is stored and judged. The user information stored in the storage means is updated.

With such a user information management method, the user information can be updated in response to a request from the system initial setting module.

Further, the invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the user information includes distribution destination information and usage authority / billing information.

In such a user information management method, the user information can be configured to include distribution destination information and usage authority / billing information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the storage means stores the distribution destination information storing the distribution destination information, and the usage authority storing the usage authority / charging information.
And a billing information storage means.

In such a user information management method, the storage means can be configured to include the distribution destination information storage means and the usage authority / billing information storage means.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the requesting step, the system initialization module requests the user information managing means to update the user information by using a predefined function. To do.

In such a user information management method, the system initialization module can request the user information management means to update the user information by using a predefined function.

Further, the invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the function requests updating of a header for classifying the distribution destination information for each predetermined item.

In such a user information management method, it is possible to request the user information management means to update the headline by using a predetermined function.

Further, the invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the function requests a change in the display position of the delivery destination information belonging to the headline.

In such a user information management method, a predetermined function is used to request the user information management means to change the display position when the distribution destination information belonging to the headline is displayed on, for example, the operation panel. it can.

The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the function requests creation of the distribution destination information.

In such a user information management method, it is possible to request the user information management means to create distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

Further, the invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that the function requests a change of the distribution destination information.

In such a user information management method, it is possible to request the user information management means to change the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that the function requests deletion of the distribution destination information.

In such a user information management method, it is possible to request the user information management means to delete the delivery destination information by using a predetermined function.

Further, the invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that the function requests setting of an electronic mail group to which the distribution destination information belongs.

In such a user information management method, it is possible to request the user information management means to set the electronic mail group to which the distribution destination information belongs by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 12 is characterized in that the function requests acquisition of an electronic mail group to which the distribution destination information belongs.

In such a user information management method, it is possible to request the user information management means to acquire the electronic mail group to which the distribution destination information belongs by using a predetermined function.

Further, the invention according to claim 13 is characterized in that the function requests setting of an index to which the distribution destination information belongs.

In such a user information management method, it is possible to request the user information management means to set the headline to which the delivery destination information belongs by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 14 is characterized in that the function requests setting of an electronic mail address corresponding to the distribution destination information.

In such a user information management method, it is possible to request the user information management means to set the electronic mail address corresponding to the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 15 is characterized in that the function requests setting of sender authentication information corresponding to the distribution destination information.

In such a user information management method, it is possible to request the user information management means to set the sender authentication information corresponding to the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

Further, the invention according to claim 16 is characterized in that the function requests setting of usage restriction information corresponding to the distribution destination information.

In such a user information management method, it is possible to request the user information management means to set the use restriction information corresponding to the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the function is to confirm whether or not the registration number input by the user is used,
It is characterized by requesting acquisition of a registration number that is close to the registration number input by the user when it is already in use.

In such a user information management method, a predetermined function is used to confirm whether or not the registration number input by the user is used and to approximate the registration number input by the user when it is already used. It is possible to request the user information management means to obtain the registration number to be used.

Further, the invention according to claim 18 is characterized in that the function requests acquisition of the number of registrations of the distribution destination information.

In such a user information management method, it is possible to request the user information management means to acquire the number of registrations of distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 19 is characterized in that the function requests acquisition of the number of registrations of an account corresponding to the distribution destination information.

In such a user information management method, it is possible to request the user information management means to acquire the number of registrations of the account corresponding to the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 20 is characterized in that the function requests acquisition of the number of registered electronic mail groups corresponding to the distribution destination information.

In such a user information management method, it is possible to request the user information management means to acquire the number of registered e-mail groups corresponding to the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 21 is characterized in that the function requests acquisition of the number of registered electronic mail addresses corresponding to the distribution destination information.

In such a user information management method, it is possible to request the user information management means to acquire the number of registered e-mail addresses corresponding to the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 22 is characterized in that the function requests acquisition of the number of registrations of the usage restriction information corresponding to the distribution destination information.

In such a user information management method, it is possible to request the user information management means to acquire the number of registrations of the usage restriction information corresponding to the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a second aspect of the present invention is provided.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing device having at least one application for performing information processing, the storage device storing user information, and the storage device stored in the storage device in response to a request from a system initialization module. And a user information management means for updating the existing user information.

In such an information processing apparatus, the user information management means updates the user information in response to a request from the system initial setting module, so that the system initial setting module does not specify the storage destination of the user information. Information can be updated and user information can be centrally managed.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the user information management means determines the storage means in which the user information is stored in response to a request from the system initialization module, and the determined storage means It is characterized in that the stored user information is updated.

In such an information processing apparatus, the storage means in which the user information is stored can be determined in response to the request from the system initial setting module, and the user information stored in the determined storage means can be updated. Desired user information can be updated even if the user information is sorted and stored in a plurality of storage means.

The invention according to claim 25 is characterized in that the user information management means is a process of a user information management service.

In such an information processing apparatus, the user information management means can be configured by the process of the user information management service.

The invention according to claim 26 is characterized in that the user information includes distribution destination information and usage authority / billing information.

In such an information processing apparatus, the user information can be configured to include distribution destination information and usage authority / billing information.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the storage means stores delivery destination information storage means for storing delivery destination information included in the user information, and usage authority / billing information included in the user information. It is characterized in that it includes a usage authority / billing information storage means.

In such an information processing apparatus, the storage means can be configured to include the distribution destination information storage means and the usage authorization / billing information storage means.

Further, the invention according to claim 28 is characterized in that the user information management means is requested to update the user information from the system initialization module by a function defined in advance.

In such an information processing apparatus, the system initial setting module can request the user information managing means to update the user information by using a predefined function.

The invention according to claim 29 is characterized in that the function requests updating of a header for classifying the distribution destination information for each predetermined item.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information managing means to update the headline by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 30 is characterized in that the function requests a change in the display position of the delivery destination information belonging to the headline.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information management means to change the display position when the distribution destination information belonging to the headline is displayed on, for example, the operation panel, using a predetermined function. .

Further, the invention according to claim 31 is characterized in that the function requests creation of the distribution destination information.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information management means to create distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 32 is characterized in that the function requests a change of the distribution destination information.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information management means to change the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 33 is characterized in that the function requests deletion of the distribution destination information.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information managing means to delete the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

Further, the invention according to claim 34 is characterized in that the function requests setting of an electronic mail group to which the distribution destination information belongs.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information management means to set the electronic mail group to which the distribution destination information belongs, by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 35 is characterized in that the function requests acquisition of an electronic mail group to which the distribution destination information belongs.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information management means to acquire the electronic mail group to which the distribution destination information belongs by using a predetermined function.

Further, the invention according to claim 36 is characterized in that the function requests setting of an index to which the distribution destination information belongs.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information management means to set the headline to which the distribution destination information belongs, by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 37 is characterized in that the function requests setting of an electronic mail address corresponding to the distribution destination information.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information management means to set the electronic mail address corresponding to the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 38 is characterized in that the function requests setting of sender authentication information corresponding to the distribution destination information.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information management means to set the sender authentication information corresponding to the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

Further, the invention according to claim 39 is characterized in that the function requests setting of usage restriction information corresponding to the distribution destination information.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information management means to set the use restriction information corresponding to the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

Further, in the invention according to claim 40, the function confirms whether or not the registration number input by the user is used,
It is characterized by requesting acquisition of a registration number that is close to the registration number input by the user when it is already in use.

In such an information processing apparatus, the use of a predetermined function is used to confirm whether or not the registration number input by the user is used and to approximate the registration number input by the user when it is already used. The acquisition of the registration number can be requested to the user information management means.

The invention according to claim 41 is characterized in that the function requests acquisition of the number of registrations of the distribution destination information.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information management means to acquire the number of registrations of distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 42 is characterized in that the function requests acquisition of the number of registrations of an account corresponding to the distribution destination information.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information managing means to acquire the number of registrations of the account corresponding to the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 43 is characterized in that the function requests acquisition of the number of registered electronic mail groups corresponding to the distribution destination information.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information management means to acquire the number of registered electronic mail groups corresponding to the distribution destination information, using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 44 is characterized in that the function requests acquisition of the number of registered electronic mail addresses corresponding to the distribution destination information.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information managing means to acquire the number of registered electronic mail addresses corresponding to the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

Further, the invention according to claim 45 is characterized in that the function requests acquisition of the number of registrations of usage restriction information corresponding to the distribution destination information.

In such an information processing apparatus, it is possible to request the user information management means to acquire the number of registrations of the usage restriction information corresponding to the distribution destination information by using a predetermined function.

The invention according to claim 46 is characterized by further comprising control means for managing hardware resources used in information processing and an operating system.

Such an information processing apparatus can be configured to further include a control means and an operating system.

[0107]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention. The information processing device 1000 is configured to include a hardware resource 1100 and a software group 1200.

The hardware resource 1100 includes a memory device 1110, an input device 1120, a display device 1130, other hardware resources 1140 and the like. The software group 1200 includes applications 1210-1 to 121-1.
210-n, OS 123 such as UNIX (registered trademark)
0, BIOS 1240, device driver 1250, user information management means 1260, system initial setting module 1270 and the like.

The information processing apparatus 1000 is turned off when the power is turned on.
The program of S1230 is read from the auxiliary storage device,
The read program is transferred to the memory device 1110 and activated. Further, the information processing apparatus 1000 reads the programs of the applications 1210-1 to 1210-n from the auxiliary storage device when the power is turned on or in response to a start instruction from the operator, and the read program is read from the memory device 1.
Transfer to 110 and start.

Applications 1210-1 to 1210
-N causes the information processing apparatus 1000 to perform various types of information processing. The BIOS 1240 is a program that controls the hardware resource 1100. The device driver 1250 is a program that manages peripheral devices included in the hardware resource 1100.

OS 1230, user information management means 126
0 and system initialization module 1270
I (Application Program Interface) 1220 is used to receive requests from applications 1210-1 to 1210-n. The API 1220 uses the functions defined in advance to execute the applications 1210-1 to 121.
Used to receive requests from 0-n. Also,
The user information management means 1260 receives a request from the system initial setting module 1270 using an API (not shown).

The user information management means 1260 manages user information. User information management means 126
0 determines the storage device in which the user information corresponding to the request from the applications 1210-1 to 1210-n and the system initialization module 1270 is stored, acquires the user information from the determined storage device, and determines the request source. It is supplied to the applications 1210-1 to 1210-n and the system initial setting module 1270. Details of the system initialization module 1270 will be described later.

The OS 1230 is the application 121
Each software of the 0-1 to 1210-n, the user information management means 1260 and the system initial setting module 1270 is controlled in parallel as a process. Also, OS1230
Makes a request to the hardware resource 1100 using the BIOS 1240 and the device driver 1250.

Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 1000 will be described. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an embodiment of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention. The information processing device 1000 includes an input device 1510, a display device 1520, an auxiliary storage device 1530, a memory device 1540, and an arithmetic processing device 1 which are connected to each other by a bus B.
550.

The input device 1510 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse and the like, and is used for inputting various operation instructions. The display device 1520 displays various windows and data necessary for operation. The auxiliary storage device 1530 is
It stores a program that causes the information processing apparatus 1000 to perform processing, and also stores various files and data necessary for processing the program.

The memory device 1540 is used by the information processing device 10.
00 is started, the program is read from the auxiliary storage device 1530 and stored. The arithmetic processing unit 1550 executes processing according to a program stored in the memory device 1540.

The information processing apparatus 1000 as described above is connected to, for example, another computer or the like via a network, and distributes image information or the like using the distribution function. The information processing apparatus 1000 having a distribution function has distribution destination information and usage restriction / billing information as user information. The information processing apparatus 100 that does not have a distribution function
0 has usage restriction / billing information as user information.

Next, the information processing apparatus 1000 according to the present invention.
An image forming apparatus 1 will be described as an application example of. The image forming apparatus 1 described in this embodiment is a printer,
It is also called a fusion machine because the functions of each device such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a scanner are housed in one housing.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the compound machine according to the present invention. The compound machine 1 is a black and white line printer 11
A color line printer 12, a hardware resource 13 such as a scanner or a facsimile, a software group 20, and a multi-function peripheral activation unit 50. The software group 20 is an application 30.
And a platform 40.

The platform 40 interprets a processing request from the application 30 and issues a hardware resource acquisition request, and manages one or more hardware resources to arbitrate the acquisition request from the control service. It has a system resource manager (hereinafter referred to as SRM) 43 and an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) 41.

The control service includes a system control service (hereinafter referred to as SCS) 42, an engine control service (hereinafter referred to as ECS) 44, and a memory control service (hereinafter referred to as MCS) 4
5, operation panel control service (hereinafter referred to as OCS) 46, fax control service (hereinafter referred to as FCS) 47, network control service (hereinafter referred to as NCS) 48, user information management service (hereinafter referred to as UCS) 49, etc. It is configured to have the above service modules.

The platform 40 is configured to have an application program interface (hereinafter referred to as API) that enables the processing request from the application 30 to be received by a predefined function.

The OS 41 is an operating system such as Unix (UNIX (registered trademark)), and executes each software of the platform 40 and the application 30 in parallel as a process.

The SRM 43 process controls the system and manages resources together with the SCS 42. For example, the SRM 43 process includes an engine such as a scanner unit and a printer unit, a memory, a hard disk device (HDD) file, a host I / O (Centro interface, network interface, IEEE1).
Arbitration is performed and execution control is performed according to a request from an upper layer that uses hardware resources such as the 394 interface and the RS232C interface.

Specifically, the SRM 43 determines whether the requested hardware resource is available (whether it is not used by another request), and if it is available, the requested hardware resource is used. Notify upper layers that it is possible. Further, the SRM 43 schedules the use of hardware resources in response to a request from the upper layer, and directly executes request contents such as paper conveyance and image forming operation by the printer engine, memory reservation, and file generation.

The SCS 42 process includes application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display,
Performs resource management and interrupt application control.
The ECS 44 process controls the engines of the monochrome line printer 11, the color line printer 12, and the hardware resources 13.

The process of MCS 45 includes acquisition and release of image memory, use of hard disk device (HDD),
It compresses and decompresses image data. The process of OCS 46 controls the operation panel which is a means for transmitting information between the operator and the main body control.

The process of FCS 47 is executed by the PSTN or IS from each application layer of the system controller.
An application is provided for performing facsimile transmission / reception using a DN network, registration / quotation of various facsimile data managed by BKM (backup SRAM), facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, and fusion transmission / reception.

The NCS 48 process uses the network I
It provides a service that can be used in common to applications that require I / O. When distributing the data received by each protocol from the network side to each application, or when transmitting the data from the application to the network side, Mediate.

The process of the UCS 49 manages user information, determines the storage device storing the user information according to the request, acquires the user information from the determined storage device, and supplies it to each application. To do. Further, the process of the UCS 49 determines the storage device in which the user information corresponding to the request is stored, and updates the user information stored in the determined storage device.

Further, the application 30 performs processing unique to each user service relating to image forming processing such as printer, copy, facsimile, and scanner. The application 30 includes a printer application 31 that is a printer application having a page description language (PDL, PCL) and Postscript (PS), a copy application 32 that is a copy application, and a fax application 33 that is a facsimile application. The scanner application 34 is a scanner application, the network file application 35 is a network file application, and the process inspection application 36 is a process inspection application.

The multi-function peripheral activation unit 50 is first executed when the power of the multi-function peripheral 1 is turned on, and activates the application 30 and the platform 40. For example, the multi-function peripheral activation unit 50 reads programs for control services and applications from a flash memory described later,
The read programs are transferred to a memory area secured on the SRAM or SDRAM and activated.

FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of an embodiment of the compound machine according to the present invention. The compound machine 1 of FIG. 4 has a controller board 60, an operation panel 70, and a fax control unit (hereinafter referred to as FCU).
80, a USB device 90, an IEEE 1394 device 100, and an engine unit 110. The FCU 80 has a memory. FC
The memory of U80 has,
It is used to temporarily store the facsimile data received at F.

The operation panel 70 is directly connected to the ASIC 62 of the controller board 60. In addition, FCU80, USB device 90, IEEE139
4 device 100 and engine unit 110 are connected to ASIC 62 of controller board 60 by PCI bus (Peripher
al Component Interconnect bus) etc. are connected.

The controller board 60 is a CPU
61, ASIC 62, SRAM (Static RAM) 63
, An SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) 64, a flash memory 65, an HDD 66, and a network I / F controller 67. The controller board 60 includes a CPU 61, SRAM 63, SDR
The AM 64, the flash memory 65, the HDD 66, the network I / F controller 67, and the like are connected to the ASIC 62.

The CPU 61 controls the entire compound machine 1. The CPU 61 uses the OS 41 to form the platform 40 in SCS 42, SRM 43, ECS 4
4, MCS45, OCS46, FCS47 and NCS
The printer application 3 that starts and executes 48 as processes and forms the application 30.
1, to activate and execute the copy application 32, the fax application 33, the scanner application 34, the net file application 35, and the process inspection application 36.

The ASIC 62 is an IC for image processing use, which has hardware elements for image processing. SRA
Virtual memory areas such as kernels and processes are mapped to the physical memory areas of the M63 and the SDRAM 64.

Flash memory 6 as nonvolatile RAM
5 is an application 30 or platform 4
Each application, control service, and SRM that make up 0
Each program such as 43 and usage restrictions / billing information are stored. The HDD 66 is a storage for accumulating image data, programs, font data, forms, and distribution destination information. The operation panel 70 is an operation unit that receives an input operation from an operator and displays a message for the operator.

Such a multi-function machine 1 is connected to, for example, another multi-function machine or a computer via a network.
Image information is distributed using the distribution function. In order for the multi-function peripheral 1 to use the distribution function, it is necessary to register and manage the distribution destination information and the usage restriction / billing information in advance as user information. Even in the compound machine 1 that does not have a distribution function, it is necessary to register and manage the usage restriction / billing information as user information in advance.

The user information management method of the present invention will be described below. In the following description, the processing of the multi-function peripheral 1 as an application example of the information processing apparatus 1000 according to the present invention will be mainly described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the user information management method of the present invention. The usage restriction / billing information stored in the flash memory 65 manages the availability of various functions and the number of usable functions, and is configured as shown in FIG. 6, for example.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of usage restriction / billing information. The usage restriction / billing information in FIG. 6 includes data items such as a management number, a registration number, a user name, a user code, a copy function use availability, a copy function use quantity, a distribution function use availability, and a distribution function use quantity. . The usage restriction / billing information stored in the flash memory 65 is stored in the SCS42.
It is managed by the billing information management module 121 included in.

The flash memory 65 also stores management parameters for various services, modules, and applications, which are managed by the system initialization module 122 described later.

The distribution destination information stored in the HDD 66 manages distribution destinations and senders,
For example, it is configured as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows a configuration diagram of an example of distribution destination information. The distribution destination information in FIG. 7 has data items such as management number, registration number, user name, electronic mail address, sender availability. The distribution destination information stored in the HDD 66 is managed by the USC 49.

The UCS 49 directly manages the distribution destination information stored in the HDD 66, while managing the usage restriction / billing information stored in the flash memory 65 via the billing information management module 121.

In the case of the compound machine 1 having no distribution function, the distribution destination information stored in the HDD 66 does not exist. UCS even if the multi-function machine 1 does not have a distribution function
49 manages the usage restriction / billing information stored in the flash memory 65 via the billing information management module 121, so that the interface can be unified regardless of the presence or absence of the distribution function.

Although FIG. 5 shows an example in which the usage restriction / billing information is stored in the flash memory 65 and the distribution destination information is stored in the HDD 66, the usage restriction / billing information or the distribution destination information is stored in the memory of the FCU 80. You may Further, a part of the usage restriction / billing information or the delivery destination information may be stored in the memory of the FCU 80.

Next, an example in which the system initial setting module 122 included in the SCS 42 updates the user information via the UCS 49 will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the user information update processing. The system initialization module 122 as a client is A provided by UCS49.
Request updating of user information using PI.

The UCS 49 determines in which of the flash memory 65 and the HDD 66 the user information for which an update request has been issued by the system initial setting module 122 is stored. The UCS 49 is the flash memory 6
5 or the user information stored in the HDD 66 is updated in response to the update request from the system initial setting module 122.

Specifically, when the UCS 49 receives a request for updating the distribution destination information from the system initial setting module 122, the UCS 49 updates the distribution destination information stored in the HDD 66 in response to the request. Further, when the UCS 49 receives a request for updating the usage restriction / accounting information from the system initial setting module 122, the UCS 49 updates the usage restriction / accounting information stored in the flash memory 65 in response to the update request. The UCS 49 uses the usage information stored in the flash memory 65 via the charging information management module 121.
Update the billing information.

As described above, the system initial setting module 122 can update the user information without designating the storage location of the user information desired to be updated. The process for the system initialization module 122 to start using the UCS 49 is as follows.

First, the UCS 49 as a server creates a request waiting thread, opens a socket and waits for a request. Further, the system initial setting module 122 as a client creates an event waiting thread, opens a socket to wait for an event, and performs usage registration through the opened socket of the UCS 49.

The request from the system initialization module 122 is sent through the socket of UCS49,
The event from the CS 49 performs inter-process communication through the socket of the system initialization module 122, thereby realizing the cooperative operation between the system initialization module 122 and the UCS 49.

Next, the system initialization module 122
The process of updating the user information will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of an example of processing for updating the delivery destination information.

In step S10, the system initial setting module 122 acquires the specification information of the UCS 49 from the UCS 49 using the API. The specification information is information on various elements of the UCS 49 itself, and includes built-in information of the UCS 49 and the charging information management module 121 and setting parameter information.

In step S11 following step S10, the system initial setting module 122 determines an available function from the obtained specification information and determines the function to be used by the AP.
Use I to register with UCS49.

In step S12 following step S11, the system initial setting module 122 creates a system initial setting menu screen as shown in FIG. 10 and displays it on the operation panel 70. FIG. 10 shows an image diagram of an example of the system initial setting menu screen.

The system initial setting menu screen of FIG. 10 includes one or more menu item selection buttons 130 corresponding to the processing for updating the user information. The user can proceed to a desired process by selecting the item selection button 130 on the system initial setting menu screen displayed on the operation panel 70, for example.

In step S13 following step S12, the system initialization module 122 determines whether a menu item has been selected from the system initialization menu screen. If it is determined that the menu item is selected from the system initial setting menu screen (Y in S13
ES), the system initialization module 122 proceeds to step S14 and processes the selected menu item.
The details of the process of step S14 will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined that no menu item is selected from the system initial setting menu screen (S13
, NO), the system initialization module 122 repeats the process of step S13.

The process of step S14 will be described below with reference to the drawings. When “user (destination) registration / change / deletion” is selected from the system initialization menu screen, the system initialization module 122 displays
The entry information update screen like the above is displayed on the operation panel 70. The system initialization module 122 acquires the headline set information, headline information, and a list of entries belonging to the headline, which are necessary for creating the entry information update screen, from the UCS 49 using the API.

FIG. 11 is an image diagram of an example of the entry information update screen. Here, the entry represents a user (destination), and is roughly classified into, for example, an account corresponding to an individual user and a group corresponding to the listed accounts.

On the entry information update screen shown in FIG. 11, a heading set 132 composed of one or more headings, an entry display column 134 for displaying a list of entries belonging to the selected heading, and new entry information are created. Create button 136 to call the screen for registration
And a change button 138 for calling a screen for changing the already registered entry information and a delete button 140 for deleting the selected entry information.

The heading set 132 is an ordered set of headings such as “usual” and “a”. A heading is a labeled set of ordered entries. On the entry information update screen of FIG. 11,
Since the headline “A” is selected, seven entries belonging to the headline “A” are displayed in the entry display field 134.

When the new creation button 136 is selected, the system initialization module 122 displays on the operation panel 70 an entry information registration screen as shown in FIG. 12 for newly creating and registering entry information.
FIG. 12 shows an image diagram of an example of the entry information registration screen.

The entry information registration screen of FIG. 12 has a column for setting a user (destination) name, a column for setting a registration number,
A heading button for setting a heading to which the user belongs, a user code button 142 for calling a screen for setting a user code, a mail destination button 144 for calling a screen for setting a mail destination, and a fax for calling a screen for setting a fax destination Destination button 146, Group button 14 that calls a screen for setting a group
8. A registration button 150 for registering entry information is included.

The user sets the user (destination) name, registration number, and heading to which the user belongs on the entry information registration screen. Further, the user selects the user code button 142, displays a screen for setting the user code on the operation panel 70, and inputs the user code.
The user code is usage restriction information for setting the functions that the user can use.

Further, the user selects the mail destination button 144, displays a screen for setting the mail destination on the operation panel 70, and inputs the mail destination. Further, the user selects the fax destination button 146, displays a screen for setting the fax destination on the operation panel 70, and inputs the fax destination. Further, the user selects the group button 148, displays a screen for setting a group on the operation panel 70, and selects the group to which the entry belongs.

After registering all the information necessary for creating the entry information, when the registration button 150 on the entry information registration screen of FIG. 12 is selected, the system initialization module 122 uses the various APIs to set the UCS49.
Request that the entry information be updated.

For example, the system initialization module 122
Requests the UCS 49 to create an entry using the API shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of an API for creating an entry. The UCS 49 creates an entry according to the API for creating the entry. When an entry is created, a new entry is created in the entry display field 134 of the entry information update screen, for example.

Further, the system initial setting module 122
Requests the UCS 49 to set the header to which the entry belongs using the API shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of an API for setting a heading to which an entry belongs. The UCS 49 sets the headline according to the API for setting the headline to which the entry belongs.

Further, the system initial setting module 122
Requests the UCS 49 to set the user code using the API shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of an API for setting a user code. The UCS 49 sets the user code according to the API for setting the user code.

Further, the system initial setting module 122
Requests the UCS 49 to set a mail destination using the API as shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of an API for setting a mail destination. The UCS 49 sets the mail destination according to the API for setting the mail destination.

Further, the system initial setting module 122
Uses the API to request the UCS 49 to set a fax destination. The UCS 49 is an AP that sets a fax destination.
Set the fax destination according to I.

Further, the system initialization module 122
Uses the API to request the UCS 49 to set the group to which the entry belongs. The UCS 49 sets the group according to the API for setting the group to which the entry belongs.

Furthermore, the system initialization module 12
2 confirms whether the registration number set in the entry information registration screen is already registered using the API as shown in FIG. 17, and when the registration number is already registered, the registration number Request to get a free registration number nearby.

FIG. 17 shows the confirmation / acquisition of the registration number A
The block diagram of an example of PI is shown. The UCS 49 confirms whether the registration number set in the entry information registration screen is already registered by using the API for confirming / acquiring the registration number, and when the registration number is already registered, Get a free registration number near the registration number.

When the change button 138 included in the entry information update screen of FIG. 11 is selected, the system initialization module 122 displays the entry information registration screen as shown in FIG. 12 for changing the already registered entry information. It is displayed on the operation panel 70. The entry information registration screen displayed when the change button 138 is selected is the entry information registration screen displayed when the new creation button 136 is selected in that already registered entry information is displayed. different.

The system initialization module 122 uses various APIs to display already registered entry information on the entry information registration screen. For example, the system initialization module 122 acquires the group to which the entry belongs from the UCS 49 using the API as shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a block diagram of an example of an API that acquires a group to which an entry belongs.

The registration of information on the entry information registration screen is performed by the entry information registration screen displayed when the change button 138 is selected and the entry information registration screen displayed when the new creation button 136 is selected. Since it is the same in and, the description is omitted.

When the registration button 150 on the entry information registration screen of FIG. 12 is selected after all the information necessary for changing the entry information is registered, the system initialization module 122 uses the various APIs to set the UCS49.
Request that the entry information be updated.

For example, the system initialization module 122
Uses the API shown in FIG. 19 to request the UCS 49 to change the entry. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of an API for changing an entry. The UCS 49 changes the entry according to the API for changing the entry.

When an entry is selected from the entry display field 134 of the entry information update screen shown in FIG. 11 and the delete button 140 is selected, the system initial setting module 12
2 deletes the entry using the API as shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of an API for deleting an entry.

Next, the processing when the "edit headline" is selected from the system initial setting menu screen will be described. When “Edit Headline” is selected, the system initial setting module 122 displays an edit screen of the index on the operation panel 70. The headline editing screen is, for example, the headline set 13 like the entry information update screen of FIG.
Have two. The system initial setting module 122 uses heading set information necessary for creating a heading editing screen,
The headline information is acquired from the UCS 49 using the API.

After registering all the information necessary to change the headline, the user selects, for example, the setting button on the headline edit screen. Then, the system initialization module 122 uses the API as shown in FIG. 21 to request the UCS 49 to change the headline. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the API for changing the headline. The UCS 49 changes the headline according to the API that changes the headline.

Next, description will be made regarding the processing when "change order of arrangement" is selected from the system initial setting menu screen. When “Swap Order” is selected, the system initial setting module 122 displays a shuffle order screen on the operation panel 70. The rearrangement order screen has an entry display field 134 for displaying a heading set 132 and a list of entries belonging to the selected heading, as in the entry information update screen of FIG. The system initial setting module 122 acquires the heading set information and heading information necessary for creating the rearrangement screen from the UCS 49 using the API.

The user changes the order of the entries displayed in the entry display field 134 to a desired order, and selects, for example, the setting button on the order changing screen. The system initialization module 122 uses the API shown in FIG. 22 to request the UCS 49 to change the order of entries. FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of an API for changing the order of entries. UCS49 is
Swap the order of entries Swap the order of entries according to the API.

The UCS 49 can also provide the following API. FIG. 23 is an AP for setting sender authentication information.
The block diagram of an example of I is shown. The system initial setting module 122 requests the UCS 49 to set the sender authentication information by using the API for setting the sender authentication information. In addition,
The sender authentication information is, for example, a password and is used to identify the sender.

FIG. 24 shows an AP for setting a mail group.
The block diagram of an example of I is shown. The system initial setting module 122 requests the UCS 49 to set the mail group by using the API for setting the mail group. In addition,
The mail group is information such as the number of accounts to which it belongs and the accounts to which it belongs. FIG. 25 is a block diagram of an example of an API that acquires the number of registered entries. The system initialization module 122 can acquire the number of registered entries from the UCS 49 by using the API that acquires the number of registered entries.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing an example of an API for acquiring the number of registered accounts. The system initialization module 122 is an AP that acquires the number of registered accounts.
The number of registered entries can be acquired from UCS 49 using I. FIG. 27 shows the case where the number of registered groups is acquired A
The block diagram of an example of PI is shown. The system initialization module 122 can acquire the number of registered groups from the UCS 49 by using the API for acquiring the number of registered groups.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing an example of an API for acquiring the number of registered mail destinations. The system initialization module 122 is an AP that acquires the number of registered mail destinations.
The number of registered mail destinations can be acquired from the UCS 49 using I. FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing an example of an API for acquiring the number of registered user codes. The system initialization module 122 can acquire the number of registered user codes from the UCS 49 by using the API for acquiring the number of registered user codes.

The number of entries, accounts, groups, mail addresses, and user codes registered is used when creating a screen for updating information such as entries, accounts, groups, mail addresses, and user codes.

As described above, since the multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present invention is provided with the UCS 49 for managing the user information, the user information can be updated without the system initial setting module 122 designating the storage destination of the user information. Is.

Although the UCS 49 is included in the control service in the configuration diagram of FIG. 3, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, UCS49 uses application 3
It may be included in 0. Although FIG. 8 and the like show an example in which the system initial setting module 122 uses the API provided by the UCS 49 to request updating of user information, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the application 30 such as the fax application 33 may request the update of the user information by using the API provided by the UCS 49.

In this embodiment, the processing of the multi-function peripheral 1 was mainly described, but the information processing apparatus 1000 shown in FIGS.
It is easy to apply to. In the information processing apparatus 1000, the user information management means 1260 manages user information instead of the UCS 49 shown in FIGS. 5 and 8. Note that in the case of the information processing device 1000, the configuration corresponding to the SCS 42 is not always essential.

[0198]

As described above, according to the present invention, the user information management means updates the user information in response to the request from the system initial setting module, so that the system initial setting module specifies the storage destination of the user information. The user information can be updated without doing so, and the user information can be centrally managed.

[0199]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of an information processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an embodiment of an information processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a compound machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of an embodiment of the compound machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a user information management method of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example of usage restriction / billing information.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an example of distribution destination information.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a user information update process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example of processing for updating distribution destination information.

FIG. 10 is an image diagram of an example of a system initial setting menu screen.

FIG. 11 is an image diagram of an example of an entry information update screen.

FIG. 12 is an image diagram of an example of an entry information registration screen.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of an example of an API for creating an entry.

FIG. 14 is an AP that sets a heading to which an entry belongs.
It is a block diagram of an example of I.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of an example of an API for setting a user code.

FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of an example of an API for setting a mail destination.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of an example of an API that confirms / acquires a registration number.

FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram of an example of an API that acquires a group to which an entry belongs.

FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of an example of an API for changing an entry.

FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of an example of an API for deleting an entry.

FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram of an example of an API for changing a headline.

FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram of an example of an API for changing the order of entries.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of an example of an API for setting sender authentication information.

FIG. 24 is a configuration diagram of an example of an API for setting a mail group.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of an example of an API for acquiring the number of registered entries.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of an example of an API for acquiring the number of registered accounts.

FIG. 27 is a configuration diagram of an example of an API for acquiring the number of registered groups.

[Fig. 28] Fig. 28 is a configuration diagram of an example of an API for acquiring the number of registered mail destinations.

FIG. 29: API for acquiring the number of registered user codes
It is a block diagram of an example of.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Fusion machine 11 Monochrome line printer 12 Color line printer 13,1140 Hardware resource 20,1200 Software group 30,1210-1-1210-n Application 40 Platform 41 Operating system (OS) 42 System control service (SCS) 43 System resource Manager (SRM) 44 Engine Control Service (ECS) 45 Memory Control Service (MCS) 46 Operation Panel Control Service (OCS) 47 Fax Control Service (FCS) 48 Network Control Service (NCS) 49 User Information Management Service (UCS) 50 Fusion Machine startup unit 60 Controller board 61 CPU 62 ASIC (Application Specific Integrated
Circuit) 63 SRAM (Static RAM) 64 SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) 65 Flash memory 66 Hard disk device (HDD) 67 Network I / F controller 70 Operation panel 80 Fax control unit (FCU) 90 USB device 100 IEEE 1394 device 110 Engine unit 121 Billing Information management module 122 System initialization module 130 Menu item selection button 132 Headline set 134 Entry display field 136 New creation button 138 Change button 140 Delete button 142 User code button 144 Mail destination button 146 Fax destination button 148 Group button 150 Registration button 1000 Information Processing device 1100 Hardware resource 1110 Memory device 1120 Input device 11 0 Display device 1220 application program interface (API) 1230 operating system 1240 BIOS 1250 device driver 1260 user information management unit 1270 system initialization module

Claims (46)

[Claims] 1. A user information management method for an information processing apparatus having at least one application for performing information processing, wherein a system initialization module requests a user information management unit to update user information. The user information management means has a step of updating the user information in response to a request from the system initial setting module. 2. In the updating step, the user information management means determines a storage means in which user information corresponding to a request from the system initial setting module is stored, and the user stored in the determined storage means. The user information management method according to claim 1, wherein the information is updated. 3. The user information management method according to claim 1, wherein the user information includes distribution destination information and usage authority / billing information. 4. The storage means includes distribution destination information storage means for storing the distribution destination information and usage authority / charging information storage means for storing the usage authority / accounting information. 3. The user information management method described in 3. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein in the requesting step, the system initialization module requests the user information managing means to update the user information using a predefined function. The user information management method described in one item. 6. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein the function requests an update of a header for classifying the distribution destination information for each predetermined item. 7. The user information management method according to claim 6, wherein the function requests a change of a display position of distribution destination information belonging to the headline. 8. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein the function requests creation of the distribution destination information. 9. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein the function requests a change of the distribution destination information. 10. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein the function requests deletion of the distribution destination information. 11. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein the function requests setting of an electronic mail group to which the distribution destination information belongs. 12. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein the function requests acquisition of an electronic mail group to which the distribution destination information belongs. 13. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein the function requests setting of a header to which the distribution destination information belongs. 14. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein the function requests setting of an electronic mail address corresponding to the distribution destination information. 15. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein the function requests setting of sender authentication information corresponding to the distribution destination information. 16. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein the function requests setting of usage restriction information corresponding to the distribution destination information. 17. The function requires confirmation of whether or not a registration number input by a user is used and acquisition of a registration number close to the registration number input by the user when already used. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein 18. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein the function requests acquisition of the number of registrations of the distribution destination information. 19. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein the function requests acquisition of the number of registered accounts corresponding to the distribution destination information. 20. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein the function requests acquisition of the number of registered electronic mail groups corresponding to the distribution destination information. 21. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein the function requests acquisition of the number of registered electronic mail addresses corresponding to the distribution destination information. 22. The user information management method according to claim 5, wherein the function requests acquisition of the number of registrations of usage restriction information corresponding to the distribution destination information. 23. An information processing apparatus having at least one or more applications for performing information processing, the storage means storing user information, and the storage means stored in the storage means in response to a request from a system initialization module. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a user information management unit that updates existing user information. 24. The user information management means determines a storage means that stores user information in response to a request from the system initialization module, and updates the user information stored in the determined storage means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein: 25. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the user information management means is a process of a user information management service. 26. The user information includes distribution destination information and usage authority / billing information.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of 3 to 25. 27. The storage means stores a distribution destination information storage means for storing distribution destination information included in the user information, and a use authority / charge information storage means for storing use authority / charge information included in the user information. 27. The information processing apparatus according to claim 26, comprising: 28. The information according to claim 23, wherein the user information management means is requested to update the user information from the system initialization module by a predefined function. Processing equipment. 29. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the function requests an update of a headline that classifies the distribution destination information for each predetermined item. 30. The information processing apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the function requests a change in a display position of distribution destination information belonging to the headline. 31. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the function requests creation of the distribution destination information. 32. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the function requests a change of the distribution destination information. 33. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the function requests deletion of the distribution destination information. 34. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the function requests setting of an electronic mail group to which the distribution destination information belongs. 35. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the function requests acquisition of an electronic mail group to which the distribution destination information belongs. 36. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the function requests setting of a header to which the distribution destination information belongs. 37. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the function requests setting of an electronic mail address corresponding to the distribution destination information. 38. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the function requests setting of sender authentication information corresponding to the distribution destination information. 39. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the function requests setting of usage restriction information corresponding to the distribution destination information. 40. The function requests confirmation of whether or not a registration number input by a user is used and acquisition of a registration number close to the registration number input by the user when already used. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein: 41. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the function requests acquisition of the number of registrations of the distribution destination information. 42. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the function requests acquisition of the number of registrations of accounts corresponding to the distribution destination information. 43. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the function requests acquisition of the number of registered electronic mail groups corresponding to the distribution destination information. 44. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the function requests acquisition of the number of registered electronic mail addresses corresponding to the distribution destination information. 45. The information processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the function requests acquisition of the number of registrations of usage restriction information corresponding to the distribution destination information. 46. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a control means for managing hardware resources used in information processing, and an operating system.