JP2006113680A - Image processor and method for controlling it - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow operation of a digital complex machine even if an HDD 15 in the digital complex machine has failed, while restricting its functions until the HDD 15 is restored. <P>SOLUTION: In the event that a variety of functions to be provided by a first application 15a stored in the HDD 15 in the digital complex machine cannot be provided because of the failure of the HDD 15, the digital complex machine 1 provides only those functions that a second application 12c previously stored in a ROM 12 can perform without use of the HDD 15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a digital multi-function peripheral having a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive and a method for controlling the image processing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Recently, image processing apparatuses such as digital multifunction peripherals are provided with a hard disk drive (HDD) as a large-capacity storage device. Application programs for providing various functions of the digital multi-function peripheral are stored in the HDD provided in the digital multi-function peripheral. Also, image data to be processed may be stored in the HDD of the digital multifunction machine as described above. In such a configuration, when the HDD becomes unusable, the application program stored in the HDD cannot be read. For this reason, various functions of the digital multi-function peripheral provided by the application program in the HDD cannot be performed. Furthermore, if the HDD becomes unusable, the image data to be processed cannot be held in the HDD. For this reason, functions that require image data to be stored in the HDD cannot be implemented.

  On the other hand, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-84956 describes a function that executes a function that is not affected by a hardware failure when a failure occurs in specific hardware. However, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-84956, an application that provides a function when there is no hardware failure and an application that provides a function when a hardware failure occurs are the same. In other words, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-84956 provides only a function that can be executed using a normal application even when a hardware failure occurs.

Therefore, with a control method such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-84956, if the application itself cannot be activated, the device cannot be operated. Specifically, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-84956, when a failure occurs in a storage device storing an application, a function that is not affected by the failure of the storage device (can be executed without using the storage device) Function) cannot be executed.
JP 2003-84956 A

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and provides an image processing apparatus capable of providing a specific function even when a failure occurs in a storage device, and a control method for the image processing apparatus. The purpose is to do.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, a first application program that provides various functions is stored in advance, and a first storage that stores image data to be processed in various functions provided by the first application program. A second storage device in which a second application program that provides only an executable function without using the first storage device is stored in advance, and the first storage device can be used. In some cases, the function provided by the first application program stored in the first storage device is made executable, and the second storage device is disabled when the first storage device is in an unusable state. Control means for enabling only the function provided by the second application program stored in the storage device.

  An image processing apparatus control method according to the present invention is a method used in an image processing apparatus, wherein a first application program that provides various functions is stored in advance in a first storage device, and the first When a second application program that provides only an executable function without using a storage device is stored in advance in the second storage device, and the first storage device can be used, the first application program When the function provided by the first application program stored in the storage device is made executable and the first storage device is in an unusable state, it is stored in the second storage device. Only a function provided by the second application program is made executable.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus capable of providing a specific function and a control method for the image processing apparatus even when a failure occurs in the storage device.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 as an image processing apparatus according to the first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 includes a system control unit 11, a ROM (read only memory) 12, a RAM (random access memory) 13, a hard disk drive (HDD) control unit 14, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 15. , An operation panel control unit 17, an operation panel 18, a scanner control unit 19, a scanner 20, a printer control unit 21, a printer 22, a network control unit 23, a network communication unit 24, an external device interface 25, and the like.

  The system control unit 11 controls the entire digital multi-function peripheral 1. The ROM 12 is composed of a nonvolatile memory. The ROM 12 stores a control program or control data for controlling the digital multi-function peripheral 1. For example, the ROM 12 stores a boot loader 12a, an OS (Operating System) 12b, a second application 12c, and the like. The boot loader 12 a is a control program for starting up the digital multi-function peripheral 1. The OS 12b is a control program that is a basis for operating the digital multi-function peripheral 1. The second application 12 c is an application program for executing a part of the functions of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. The second application 12c will be described in detail later.

  The RAM 13 is composed of, for example, a volatile general purpose memory. The RAM 13 stores operational programs and data. For example, the OS and the first application 15a or the second application 12c are loaded into the RAM 13 at startup.

  The HDD control unit 14 is an interface for the HDD 15 and controls access to the HDD 15. The HDD 15 is a large capacity storage device. In the HDD 15, for example, a first application 15a is stored in advance. The HDD 15 has a larger capacity than the ROM 12 or the like. The first application 15a is a program that provides various functions realized by the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and has a large program size (data amount). Therefore, in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the first application 15 a that provides various functions realized by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is stored in the HDD 15. The HDD 15 has a storage area 15b for storing image data to be subjected to image processing such as image data scanned by the scanner 20 and image data to be printed by the printer 22.

  The operation panel control unit 17 controls the operation panel 18. The operation panel 18 is a user interface having a display unit and an operation unit. On the operation panel 18, the display unit displays operation guidance for the user, the operation setting state of the digital multifunction peripheral, and the like, and an operation instruction from the user is input by the operation unit. For example, the operation panel 18 includes a display device with a built-in touch panel and hard keys such as a numeric keypad.

The scanner control unit 19 controls the scanner 20. The scanner 20 optically reads an image of a document and converts it into image data.
The printer control unit 21 controls the printer 22. The printer 22 forms an image on an image forming medium. The printer 22 prints on an image forming medium based on, for example, image data read by the scanner 20 or image data given from the outside.

The network control unit 23 controls data communication in the network 5 by the network communication unit 24. The network communication unit 24 is a network interface for performing data communication with each device in the network 5.
The external device interface 25 is an interface for removable media that is directly connected to the digital multi-function peripheral 1. The external device interface 25 is an interface such as USB, SCSI, and IEEE1394. Examples of the external device as a removable medium connected by the external device interface 25 include a USB memory, a hard disk drive, a CD drive, and a DVD drive.

Next, a first embodiment will be described.
Here, the activation process as the first embodiment of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 configured as described above will be described.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the activation process of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 as the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship among the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the HDD 15 in the startup process according to the first embodiment.

  First, it is assumed that the user turns on the main power supply of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. Then, power is supplied to each unit in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 from a power source unit (not shown) (step S11). When power is supplied, the system control unit 11 activates the boot loader 12a stored in the ROM 12 (step S12). The boot loader 12a is a program for performing an operation check of each unit of the digital multifunction peripheral. If the boot loader 12a is not necessary, step S12 is omitted.

  When the boot loader 12a is executed, the system control unit 11 loads the OS 12b stored in the ROM 12 into the RAM 13 as shown in FIG. 3 (step S13). The OS 12b is an operating system for executing the first application 15a stored in the HDD 15 or the second application 12c stored in the ROM 12. In other words, the first application 15 a or the second application 12 c operates on the OS 12 b loaded in the RAM 13.

  When the OS 12b is loaded into the RAM 13, the system control unit 11 performs a mount process on the HDD 15 as shown in FIG. 3 (step S14). This mount process is a process for identifying the HDD 15 and the data in the HDD 15. In this mounting process, for example, the file system (format) in the HDD 15 is checked.

  In the mounting process as described above, the system control unit 11 determines whether or not the HDD 15 is usable (step S15). If it is determined that the HDD 15 is usable (YES in step S15), the system control unit 11 reads the first application 15a from the HDD 15 and stores it in the RAM 13 as shown in FIG. Load (step S16).

  The first application 15 a stored in the HDD 15 includes at least one program for realizing various functions provided by the digital multifunction peripheral 1. For example, the first application 15 a stored in the HDD 15 provides all functions executed by the digital multi-function peripheral 1. When the first application 15a is loaded into the RAM 13, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 enters a state where various functions provided by the first application 15a are possible (that is, a normal operation state) (step S17). ).

  In the normal operation state, the system control unit 11 monitors whether the HDD 15 is in a usable state (step S18). As a result, when the HDD 15 fails in the normal operation state and becomes unusable (step S18, NO), the system control unit 11 proceeds to step S19 described later and performs processing described later. And

  Even when a failure of the HDD 15 occurs in the process of loading the first application 15a into the RAM 13 (NO in step S18), the system control unit 11 proceeds to step S19 described later and performs processing described later. And

  If it is determined by the above determination that the HDD 15 is in an unusable state (step S15, NO), the system control unit 11 reads the second application 12c from the ROM 12, as shown in FIG. The data is loaded into the RAM 13 (step S19).

  The second application 12c stored in the ROM 12 includes a program that performs only functions that can be executed without using the HDD 15 among various functions provided by the digital multi-function peripheral 1. In other words, the second application 12c is a program that provides the functions inherently possessed by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 with restrictions or reductions. A specific example of the function provided by the second application 12c will be described later.

  When the second application 12c stored in the ROM 12 is loaded into the RAM 13, the system control unit 11 causes the display unit of the operation panel 18 to restrict or reduce the function of the digital multi-function peripheral (that is, the HDD). “Not used” indicates that it can be used (step S20). Thereby, it is possible to notify the user of the state of the digital multi-function peripheral. At this time, the system control unit 11 may notify a service person who performs maintenance of the digital multi-function peripheral via the network or the like that a failure has occurred in the HDD 15.

  When the second application 12c is loaded into the RAM 13, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is in a state where only the functions provided by the second application 12c can be used (that is, an operation state in which the functions are limited). (Step S21).

  As described above, when a failure occurs in the HDD 15 and the function using the HDD 15 provided by the first application 15a in the HDD 15 cannot be provided, only the function that is stored in the ROM 12 and can be executed without using the HDD 15 is used. The second application 12c that provides is loaded into the RAM 13.

  As a result, even if a failure occurs in the HDD 15, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 can be operated with its functions restricted until the HDD is restored.

Next, the second application 12c will be described.
As described above, it is assumed that the second application 12c provides a function that can be executed without using the HDD 15 as a mass storage device. Therefore, the second application 12c provides a function in a state where the function provided by the first application 15a stored in the HDD 15 is limited or reduced. Examples of functions provided by the second application include the following.

First, the second application 12c provides a function that can be executed without storing image data in the HDD 15 in copy processing and print processing.
For example, when printing a plurality of image data of a plurality of pages, in a normal operation state (function provided by the first application), image data for a plurality of pages is temporarily stored in the HDD, and image data including a plurality of pages is stored. Multiple prints are realized. On the other hand, if the HDD 15 becomes unusable, the image data cannot be stored in the HDD 15. For this reason, the second application 12c does not provide a copy function of a plurality of pages or a print function of a plurality of pages.

  If the image data can be held in a storage device other than the HDD 15 (for example, the RAM 13), the second application 12c can store a plurality of copies of image data including the number of pages up to the number of pages that can be held in the storage device other than the HDD 15. A copy or print may be provided. In this case, the second application 12c operates the storage device that holds the image data as a storage device other than the HDD. That is, unlike the first application 15a, the second application 12c is a control routine for holding image data in a storage device other than the HDD such as a RAM.

  For the same reason, the second application 12c does not provide a sort function realized by temporarily storing image data in the HDD. For example, in the magazine sort function, the first page is printed on the front side of the first sheet and the last page is printed on the back side so that the print result is a book. That is, in the magazine sort function, printing cannot be started unless the image data of all pages is acquired (held state).

  For this reason, the second application 12c does not provide a sort function in the control routine for holding image data in the HDD 15. Therefore, in the second application, the sort function is not provided, or the sort function is provided up to the number of pages that can be held in a storage device other than the HDD 15 such as the RAM 13.

  When the HDD 15 is not usable, the scanned image data cannot be stored in the HDD 15 in the digital multi-function peripheral 1. Therefore, the second application 12c does not provide a function for filing scanned image data to the HDD 15 (image filing function).

  However, in the second application 12c, as a scanner function, a function of storing (transferring) scanned image data to a PC or MFP accessible via the network by the network communication unit 24, or the external device interface 25 The function of storing (transferring) the scanned image data to an external device connected by the above function is provided.

  When the digital multi-function peripheral is connected to the network by the network communication unit 24, the second application 12c stores image data in a storage unit of an external device on the network instead of the HDD 15. You may make it provide the above functions. Further, when the digital multi-function peripheral is connected to an external device having a storage unit by the external device interface 25, the second application stores the image data in the storage unit of the external device instead of the HDD 15. The above functions may be provided.

Next, a second embodiment will be described.
The second embodiment is realized by an image processing system in which a digital multi-function peripheral having a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 1 is connected to another device via a network.
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of an image processing system including the digital multi-function peripheral 1.
In the image processing system shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of digital multifunction peripherals 1 (1a, 1b), a file server 2, a client PC 3, and the like are connected by a network 5 such as a local area network.

  The digital multifunction peripherals 1 a and 1 b have a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 1 and can communicate with each other via the network 5 by the network communication unit 24. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the second application 12c is stored in the HDD 15 instead of the ROM 12 in the digital multifunction peripherals 1a and 1b.

  The file server 2 is a server computer that can communicate with the digital multifunction peripherals 1 a and 1 b via the network 5. The file server 2 includes, for example, a large capacity storage device. The client PC 3 is a computer (PC) that can communicate with the digital multifunction peripherals 1 a and 1 b via the network 5. The client PC 3 is a PC used by the user. The file server 2 or the client PC 3 may store the second application 12c.

Next, a startup process as the second embodiment of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 in the image processing system as described above will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the activation process of the digital multi-function peripheral 1a as the second embodiment.
First, when there is no failure in the HDD 15, that is, when the HDD 15 is in a usable state, the first application 15a in the HDD 15 is loaded into the RAM 13 by the same operation as the steps S11 to S18, and the digital multi-function peripheral. 1a enters a normal operation state (steps S31 to S38).

  When it is determined that the HDD 15 is in an unusable state when the power is turned on (step S35, NO), or when a failure occurs in the HDD 15 during normal operation (step S38, NO), the system of the digital multi-function peripheral 1a The control unit 11 downloads the second application 12c from the other digital multifunction peripheral 1b connected via the network 5 by the network communication unit 24.

  For example, there are the following methods for the digital multifunction peripheral 1a to download the second application 12c via a network.

  First, the digital multifunction peripheral 1a searches the network for a digital multifunction peripheral 1b having the same configuration as the digital multifunction peripheral 1a. Based on the search result, the digital multifunction peripheral 1a accesses the digital multifunction peripheral 1b having the same configuration as the digital multifunction peripheral 1a, and downloads the second application 12c from the digital multifunction peripheral 1b.

  In addition, a digital multifunction peripheral 1b for downloading the second application 12c is set in advance in the digital multifunction peripheral 1a. Thereby, the digital multifunction peripheral 1a accesses the preset digital multifunction peripheral 1b and downloads the second application 12c from the digital multifunction peripheral 1b.

  The second application 12c is stored in the file server 2 or the client PC 3 that can communicate with the digital multifunction peripheral 1a via the network 5. At the same time, the file server 2 or the client PC 3 storing the second application 12c is set in the digital multifunction peripheral 1a. As a result, the digital multifunction peripheral 1a accesses the file server 2 or the client PC 3 set in advance, and downloads the second application from the file server 2 or the client PC 3.

  When the second application 12c is downloaded via the network by the above processing, the system control unit 11 loads the downloaded second application 12c into the RAM 13 (step S39).

  When the second application 12c downloaded via the network is loaded into the RAM 13, the system control unit 11 restricts the function of the digital multi-function peripheral on the display unit of the operation panel 18 or the step S20 and S21. The fact that it can be used in a reduced state (that is, the HDD is not used) is displayed (step S40), and only the function provided by the second application 12c can be used for the digital multi-function peripheral 1a (that is, the digital multifunction device 1a). , An operation state with limited functions) (step S41).

  In the second embodiment, the second application 12c may provide only a function that can be executed without using the HDD 15 of the digital multifunction peripheral 1a, or the digital multifunction peripheral 1a. Instead of the HDD 15, a function may be provided using a storage unit of an external device capable of communicating via a network.

  As described above, when a failure occurs in the HDD 15 and a function using the HDD 15 provided by the first application 15a in the HDD 15 cannot be provided, only a function that can be executed without using the HDD 15 via the network is provided. The second application 12 c is loaded into the RAM 13.

  As a result, the second digital application is not stored in the ROM 12 (the second application does not occupy the storage area of the ROM 12), and the function is limited when the HDD 15 fails. The machine 1 can be operated.

Next, a third embodiment will be described.
The third embodiment is realized in a state where an external device is connected to a digital multi-function peripheral having a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. In the third embodiment, it is assumed that the ROM 12 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 does not store the second application 12c.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a digital multi-function peripheral to which an external device R such as a removable medium is connected. In the digital multi-function peripheral 1 in the state shown in FIG. 6, data stored in the storage unit of the external device R can be acquired. Examples of the external device R include a USB memory, a hard disk drive, a CD drive, and a DVD drive.

Next, activation processing of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 in a state where the external device R as the third embodiment is connected will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the activation process of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 as the third embodiment.
First, when there is no failure in the HDD 15, that is, when the HDD 15 is in a usable state, the first application 15a in the HDD 15 is loaded into the RAM 13 by the same operation as the steps S11 to S18, and the digital multi-function peripheral. 1 is in a normal operation state (steps S51 to S58).

  When it is determined that the HDD 15 is in an unusable state when the power is turned on (step S55, NO), or when a failure occurs in the HDD 15 during normal operation (step S58, NO), the system of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 The control unit 11 reads the second application 12c from the external device R connected via the external device interface 25 (step S58) and loads it into the RAM 13 (step S59).

  If the external device R is not connected, or if the second application 12c cannot be read from the external device R, the system control unit 11 may stop the operation of the digital multifunction device 1. good. In this case, it is displayed on the operation panel 18 that the digital multi-function peripheral 1 cannot operate due to a failure of the HDD and non-equipment of the external device. On the other hand, when the user connects an external device storing the second application 12c and turns on the power again, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 can be operated by the second application 12c.

  When the second application 12c read from the external device R by the above processing is loaded into the RAM 13, the system control unit 11 displays the digital composite on the display unit of the operation panel 18 in the same manner as in steps S20 and S21. The function is limited or reduced (ie, the HDD is not used) is displayed (step S60), and only the function provided by the second application 12c is used for the digital multi-function peripheral 1. A usable state (that is, an operation state in which functions are limited) is set (step S61).

  In the third embodiment, the second application 12c may provide only a function that can be executed without using the HDD 15 of the digital multifunction machine 1, or the digital multifunction machine 1 Instead of the HDD 15, the storage unit of the external device R may be used to provide the function.

  As described above, when a failure occurs in the HDD 15 and a function using the HDD 15 provided by the first application 15a in the HDD 15 cannot be provided, the HDD 15 is removed from the external device R connected to the digital multifunction device 1. The second application 12c that provides only a function that can be executed without being used is loaded into the RAM 13.

  As a result, the second composite application is not stored in the ROM 12 (the second application does not occupy the storage area of the ROM), and the function is limited when the HDD 15 fails. The machine 1 can be operated.

  In the first, second, and third embodiments, an application (first application) that realizes the services and functions provided by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is stored in the HDD serving as a mass storage device. It is assumed that. This is because the services and functions provided by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 have become very diverse, so the program size (data amount) of the first application that realizes all functions (or many functions) is enlarged. It is because it has become.

  It is realistic in terms of cost to store such a first application with a large amount of data in a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD having a relatively low unit price per capacity. For example, if the first application as described above is stored in a ROM whose unit price per storage area is higher than that of the HDD, the cost of the digital multifunction peripheral becomes very expensive.

  On the other hand, in the first embodiment, only the application used when a failure occurs in the HDD is stored in the ROM. In the second embodiment, the second application is stored in the HDD of an external device that can be accessed via a network such as another digital multi-function peripheral. In the third embodiment, the second application is stored in an external device that can be directly connected to the digital multifunction peripheral.

  As a result, in the first, second, and third embodiments, even when the HDD that stores the first application becomes unusable, the functions of the digital multifunction peripheral are limited or reduced. The digital multi-function peripheral can be operated in a state.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral as an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a startup process of the digital multi-function peripheral as the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between ROM, RAM, and HDD in the starting process as 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematically the example of a structure of the image processing system containing the digital multifunctional device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining start-up processing of a digital multi-function peripheral as a second embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematically the digital multifunctional device with which external devices, such as a removable media, concerning 3rd Embodiment were connected. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a start-up process of a digital multi-function peripheral as a third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... System control part, 12 ... ROM, 12a ... Boot loader, 12b ... OS (operating system), 12c ... 2nd application, 13 ... RAM, 14 ... Hard disk drive control part, 15 ... Hard disk drive (HDD), 15a ... First application, 15b ... Storage area, 17 ... Operation panel control unit, 18 ... Operation panel, 19 ... Scanner control unit, 20 ... Scanner, 21 ... Printer control unit, 22 ... Printer, 23 ... Network control unit, 24 ... Network communication unit, 25 ... external device interface

Claims (20)

A first storage device that stores in advance a first application program that provides various functions, and stores image data to be processed in various functions provided by the first application program;
A second storage device in which a second application program that provides only an executable function without using the first storage device is stored in advance;
When the first storage device is usable, the function provided by the first application program stored in the first storage device is made executable and the first storage device cannot be used. Control means for enabling execution of only the function provided by the second application program stored in the second storage device,
An image processing apparatus comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first storage device is a hard disk drive. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second storage device is a read-only memory. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines whether or not the first storage device is usable when the image processing apparatus is activated. Further, in a case where only the function provided by the second application program stored in the second storage device is in an executable state, notification means for notifying that the function of the image processing device is limited The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: And a third storage device
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second application provides a function that can be executed by using a third storage device instead of the first storage device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the third storage device is a random access memory. In addition, it has an interface for connecting removable media,
The said 2nd application program provides the function which can be performed by using the removable medium connected by the said interface instead of the said 1st memory | storage device, The said Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Image processing device. In addition, it has an interface for connecting removable media,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second storage device is a removable medium connected by the interface. In addition, it has a network interface to connect to the network,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second storage device is a storage device in an external device connected via the network by the network interface. A control method used in an image processing apparatus,
A first application program that provides various functions is stored in advance in the first storage device,
A second application program that provides only an executable function without using the first storage device is stored in advance in the second storage device,
When the first storage device is usable, the function provided by the first application program stored in the first storage device is made executable,
When the first storage device is in an unusable state, only the function provided by the second application program stored in the second storage device is made executable.
And a control method for the image processing apparatus. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first storage device is a hard disk drive. The method according to claim 11, wherein the second storage device is a read-only memory. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein whether or not the first storage device is usable is determined when the image processing device is activated. Further, when only the function provided by the second application program stored in the second storage device is in an executable state, the fact that the function of the image processing device is limited is notified. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The image processing apparatus further includes a third storage device,
The said 2nd application program provides the function which can be performed by using a 3rd memory | storage device instead of the said 1st memory | storage device, The said Claim 11 characterized by the above-mentioned A method for controlling an image processing apparatus. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the third storage device is a random access memory. The second application program provides a function that can be executed by using a removable medium connected to the image processing apparatus instead of the first storage device. The method for controlling the image processing apparatus according to claim 11. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the second storage device that stores the second application program is a removable medium connected to the image processing device. 12. The image according to claim 11, wherein the second storage device that stores the second application program is a storage device in an external device that can communicate with the image processing device via a network. A method for controlling a processing apparatus.

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