JP2007259357A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to use an optional function as trial during a limited trial period, and to properly manage a trial expiry date. <P>SOLUTION: A trial expiry date indicated by trial period information is compared (S12) with the present time (S11) during a period after setting up an application (S0) before start of a job (S18) and every time a job completes. If a result of comparison indicates trial period overdue, trial state information stored in an NVRAM is allowed to indicate "used on a trial". If the trial state information indicates "during trial use" (S15) and does not indicate "used on a trial" (S16), the trial state information is allowed to indicate "valid" (S17), and if the trial state information indicates "valid", an optional routine is executed in response to an instruction entry from an operation panel. If the setting of present time is changed and the trial state information indicates "during trial use", the trial state information is caused to indicate "used on a trial". <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or a multi-function machine that forms an image on a sheet by conveying the sheet, and in particular, an image that activates an option routine using a storage device such as a USB memory. The present invention relates to a forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus, convenience is improved by adding a new function to an existing application. In a normal computer, this purpose can be achieved by installing an upgraded application from a CD-ROM.

  However, in the image forming apparatus, since the service personnel do this, the cost increases.

Therefore, in Patent Document 1 below, an optional routine is also installed in the hard disk in advance, its use is invalidated, and an SD card key in which ID data and encrypted data are written is inserted in the image forming apparatus. Discloses a method of determining whether or not these data are appropriate and enabling the option routine when the data is determined to be appropriate.
JP 2003-58486 A

  However, for the user, if the option routine is not actually tried, the user cannot be sure whether the convenience will be improved in relation to the user's business, hesitate to purchase the SD card key, There are cases where the option routines are rarely used even when purchased. In order to avoid such a problem, it is necessary to check the optional function by visiting an image forming apparatus sales company or a new product exhibition.

  The present inventor has devised a method for activating an option routine by limiting the trial period to a time desired by the user, and has solved this problem.

  Here, since the trial time limit management is usually performed based on time, use permission management is performed when the application is started.

  However, if the power supply of the image forming apparatus is always on, the trial can be performed even if the trial period is exceeded. Therefore, it is conceivable to manage the trial time limit every time the job starts.

  However, even if the optional function is displayed on the operation panel so that it can be used for trial, the trial period has expired when the start button for the job using that optional function is pressed, or the trial period has expired during job execution. In some cases, the execution of the option routine may not be started or the execution may be interrupted, resulting in a result contrary to the user's will and giving the user discomfort.

  Further, if the time of the clock function of the image forming apparatus is changed during the trial period, the trial period is unduly extended, resulting in a decrease in sales of licenses for optional functions.

  The present invention has been devised based on such considerations by the inventor of the present invention. The purpose of the present invention is to limit the trial period to allow the user to try the optional function and to set the trial period to an appropriate period. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can be managed easily.

In the first aspect of the present invention,
A processor;
Program storage means coupled to the processor and storing an application including optional routines;
Instruction input means coupled to the processor;
Clock means for outputting the current time;
And an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a supplied paper,
A trial information storage unit coupled to the processor and storing trial time limit information and usage state information;
The application
(A) Update the usage state information based on the comparison result between the trial time limit indicated by the trial time limit information and the current time between the start of the application and before the start of the job, and every time the job ends.
(B) When the use state information indicates “valid”, the option routine is executed in response to an instruction input from the instruction input means.

In a second aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in the first aspect,
The application
In the step (a), when the comparison result indicates that the trial period has elapsed, the usage state information indicates “used”, and the usage status information does not indicate “used”. In addition, when the comparison result indicates that the trial period is within the limit, the usage state information indicates “valid”.

In a third aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in the second aspect,
The application further provides the processor with
In response to an instruction input from the instruction input means, the setting of the current time for the clock means is changed, and if the usage status information indicates that it is within a trial period, the usage status information Have them indicate "used".

In a fourth aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in the second or third aspect,
It further includes use start information input means for inputting trial start information,
The application further to the processor prior to step (a)
(C) Determine whether or not the trial start information is input, and proceed to step (a) only when an affirmative determination is made.
Having steps.

In a fifth aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in the fourth aspect,
The use start information input unit includes a coupling unit to which a removable storage device constituting a storage key is coupled, and a removable storage device interface coupled between the coupling unit and the processor,
The step (c)
(C1) let it be determined whether or not the storage key is coupled to the coupling means;
(C2) If an affirmative determination is made, the authentication information is read from the storage key, and if the authentication information is authorized, it is determined that the trial start information has been input. .

In a sixth aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in the fifth aspect,
The application
If it is determined in step (c2) that the authentication target information is authentic, the usage state information indicates “in use”.
Before the step (c2), it is determined whether or not the use state information is “in use”. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to the step (a).

In a seventh aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in the sixth aspect,
Further comprising display means coupled to the processor;
The application sends the processor in step (c2):
If it is determined that the information to be authenticated is genuine, the display means displays the function of the optional routine and an inquiry as to whether or not the user uses the function,
If the instruction from the input instruction means indicates that the user uses the function, it is determined that the trial start information has been input.

  According to the configuration of the first aspect, the usage state information is updated based on a comparison result between the trial time limit indicated by the trial time limit information and the current time before the job starts after the application is started and every time the job is finished. When the use state information indicates “valid”, the option routine is executed in response to the instruction input from the instruction input unit, so that the user can try the optional function by limiting the trial period, Even if the power is always turned on, the trial period can be managed every time the job ends, and even if the trial period elapses at the start of job execution or the trial period elapses during job execution, execution of the job is guaranteed. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent a result against the user's will.

  According to the configuration of the second aspect, when the use state information is stored in the trial information storage unit of the image forming apparatus and the comparison result indicates that the trial time limit has elapsed, the use state information is “ “Used” is indicated, and when the use state information does not indicate “Used” and the comparison result indicates that the trial period is within the limit, the use state information indicates “Valid”. Therefore, even if you try to try again after the trial period has expired, you will not be able to do it.

  According to the configuration of the third aspect, the setting of the current time for the clock means is changed in response to an instruction input from the instruction input means, and the use status information is within the trial period. In this case, since the usage status information indicates “used”, changing the current time setting outside the trial period does not limit the trial and changes the current time setting within the trial period. This makes it impossible to extend the trial period.

  According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, before the step (a), it is determined whether or not the trial start information is input, and only when an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to the step (a). Allows users to try out optional functions by inputting trial start information to the image forming apparatus at a time desired by the user without going to the vendor of the image forming apparatus, etc. And the trial is performed at a time desired by the user, so that the probability of purchasing a license key after the limited trial is increased and the profit of the vendor is improved.

  According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, it is determined whether or not the storage key is combined with the combining unit, and when the determination is affirmative, the authentication information is read from the storage key, and the authentication information is If it is determined that the trial start information is input, it is determined that the user can easily use the trial key simply by coupling the storage key to the coupling means. .

  According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, when it is determined that the authentication target information is authentic, the use state information indicates “in use” and before step (c2) If the use state information is “in use”, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step (a). After authentication, the storage key is removed from the coupling means. Also, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the trial can be used, and the coupling means can be effectively used for other purposes.

  According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, when the authentication target information is authorized, the function of the optional routine and an inquiry as to whether or not the user uses the function are displayed on the display unit. When the instruction from the input instruction means indicates that the user uses the function, it is determined that the trial start information has been input. It is possible to prevent confusion due to the trial use, and it is possible to more reliably use the trial when the user desires.

  Other objects, configurations and effects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In this image forming apparatus 10, the MPU 11, ROM 12 R, DRAM 12 D, NVRAM 13, NIC 15, modem 20, interfaces 14 I, 16 I to 19 I, USB memory interface 21 I and timer 22 are coupled by a bus 23, and the interfaces 14 I and 16 I to 19 I are connected. HDD 14, auto sheet feeder 16, scanner 17, printer 18, and operation panel 19 are coupled to each other.
The 12D DRAM stores an operating system (OS), applications that run on the OS, and various device drivers that run on the OS. The DRAM 12D is used as a main memory. The NVRAM (nonvolatile memory) 13 is a flash memory, for example, and is electrically rewritable. The NVRAM 13 stores a bootstrap, and trial state information (code) US, a trial period, and a trial permission period, which will be described later, shown in FIG. The HDD 14 is used for data storage. This application is for causing the image forming apparatus 10 to function as a multifunction peripheral. The functions of the multifunction device include copy, scan, print, and fax.

  The NIC 15 is connected to an external host computer on the network and used for a print job. The scanner 17 inputs an image in conjunction with the auto sheet feeder 16 and is used for copying and fax transmission jobs. The printer 18 includes a print engine, a fixing device, a paper feed unit, a conveyance unit, and a paper discharge unit, and forms an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum of the print engine based on bitmap data supplied as print data. Then, this is developed with toner, transferred onto paper, fixed, and discharged. The operation panel 19 includes, for example, a touch panel and hardware keys, and is used for inputting setting information or instructions to display a selection screen, a setting screen, or the like. The modem 20 is for fax transmission / reception. The USB memory interface 21I includes at least two ports for detachably inserting a trial key 21A or a license key 21B as a storage key or a USB memory 21C as a file storage unit. The timer 22 is for a clock indicating the current time and time.

  The application includes an option routine in advance in the main body program other than the option, and as shown in FIG. 2 (B), in step Sa, an optional function valid flag (hereinafter referred to as the use function US flag shown in FIG. 3 (A)). , "Abbreviated as" valid flag "), that is, if the optional function is valid, the process proceeds to step Sb to execute this optional routine, and if invalid, this routine is not executed.

  For example, FIG. 6B shows a main menu when the option routine is not executed. When the option routine is executed, a PDF PRINT button is further displayed as shown in FIG. 6E. When this button is pressed, the corresponding process is started by an event driven method. In this embodiment, when the USB memory 21C is inserted in the port of the USB memory interface 21I in FIG. 7, the PDF file in the USB memory 21C is read into the NVRAM 13 by this optional routine, the bitmap is developed, and the printer 18 and the contents are printed on paper.

  This optional function is activated by inserting the trial key 21A or the license key 21B into the port of the USB memory interface 21I and setting the valid flag to “1” as will be described later. In other words, the option routine can be executed in the sense that the process proceeds from step Sa to Sb in FIG.

  Each of the trial key 21A and the license key 21B is a USB memory, and includes an NVRAM such as a flash memory chip. As shown in FIG. 3A, whether the trial key 21A or the license key 21B is a trial key or a license key at a predetermined address. And key type information (code) K indicating the encrypted information to be authenticated (code) X is stored.

  The key type information K is preferably a code with a low probability of matching with normal data. The authenticated information X is stored in a copy protection area. When data in this area is read out, the stored data is read out encrypted and copied to a person who does not know the secret key. Even if it becomes meaningless data. On the other hand, the key type information key type information K is stored in a normal area because it has no meaning even if it is copied or changed.

  In FIG. 3A, the first bit (least significant bit) of the usage state US is in use when “1”, and is not used when “0” (hereinafter abbreviated as “in-use flag”). The second bit is a flag indicating that it is used when it is “1”, and within the trial period when it is “0” (hereinafter abbreviated as “used flag”), and the third bit is “1”. The flag indicates that there is a license when “0”, and no license when “0” (hereinafter abbreviated as “license flag”). The use state US is cleared to zero at the time of factory shipment.

  FIG. 1 is a flowchart that starts when the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on.

  A normal image forming apparatus that does not use the trial key 21A and the license key 21B includes only steps S0 and S18, whereas in this embodiment, steps S1 to S4, S10 to S17, and S19 are included between steps S0 and S18. And S20 to S25 are added.

  Whether or not it is necessary to use the optional function changes according to changes in the user's business contents. Since the trial permission period of the optional function is limited to 10 days, for example, when the user wants to try it, the trial key 21A is inserted into the USB memory interface 21I, and then the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on. . In this case, steps S0 to S3, S10, S20 to S25, and steps S14 to S18 are performed as follows. In the following, the step identification codes in the figure are shown in parentheses.

  (S0) Bootstrap, OS, and application are started in this order, and processing up to the main menu display is performed.

  (S1 to S3) If a USB memory is inserted in any port of the USB memory interface 21I, the data of the address where the key type information K and the authentication target information X are stored is read from the USB memory. If the key type information K indicates a trial key, the process proceeds to step S10.

  (S10) At first, since it is assumed that the in-use flag of the usage state US is “0” and the key type information K indicates a trial key, the process proceeds to step S22.

  (S22) As shown in FIG. 6A, a screen showing an inquiry as to whether or not to use the trial function and the content of the trial function is displayed on the operation panel 19. In FIG. 6, the highlighted button indicates that it is selected. In the initial state, the trial function is not used (No) is selected.

  When the Enter key is pressed in this state, the process proceeds to Step S19 through Steps S23, S14, and S15, the valid flag for the use state US is set to “0”, and then the process proceeds to Step S18, as shown in FIG. Main menu is displayed.

  When the user presses the Yes key in the state of FIG. 6A and then presses the Enter key, the ID and password input screen shown in FIG. 6D is displayed on the operation panel 19. When the ID and password described in the instruction of the trial key 21A are input, the process proceeds to step S24 through step S23.

  (S24) The in-use flag of the use state US is set to “1”.

  (S25) The current time is read from the timer 22, the trial period stored in the NVRAM 13 is added to the current time, the trial period is determined, and this is stored in a predetermined address of the NVRAM 13.

  (S14 to S16) Although there is no license yet, it is in use in step S24 and has not been used, so the process proceeds to step S17.

  (S17) The valid flag (most significant bit) in the usage state US is set to “1”.

  (S18) This step includes the processing of FIG. 2B, and step Sb is executed as described above, so that the PDF Print button of the optional function is displayed as shown in FIG. 6E. Step Sb includes the processing shown in FIG. 2C, and since the used flag of the usage state US is “0”, the trial period is displayed as shown in FIG. 6E in step Sb2. .

  When one of the job keys is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 6E to highlight the key and the key is pressed again, a USB memory other than the license key 21B is inserted into the port of the USB memory interface 21I. Then, the process of step S30 shown in FIG. 2A is performed, the job is executed, and then the license flag is set to “0” in step S51, and the process returns to step S1 of FIG.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S10 through steps S2 and S3, and it is determined that the in-use flag of the use state US is “1”. Then, in step S11, the current time is read from the timer 22, and in step S12, this is compared with the trial time limit in the NVRAM 13, and determined to be within the time limit. Through steps S14 to S17, in step S18, FIG. Is displayed on the operation panel 19.

  If it is determined in step S1 that the USB memory is not inserted into the port of the USB memory interface 21I, the process proceeds to step S10. After the trial function is selected in step S22, the trial key 21A is inserted into the USB memory interface 21I. There is no need to insert it into the other port.

  If it is determined in step S12 that the trial period has expired, the used flag of the usage state US is set to '1' in step S13, and then the process proceeds to step S14.

  Since the image forming apparatus 10 has a fax reception function, the power is kept on unless there is a special circumstance such as a power failure. However, since the process returns to step S1 in FIG. 1 every time the job is finished, the used flag in the use state US is set to “1” in step S13 when the trial time limit elapses. Then, the process proceeds to steps S14 to S16 and step S19, the valid flag of the use state US is set to “0”, and the process proceeds to step S18. The main menu without the trial function shown in FIG. Is displayed.

  In other words, it is displayed that the trial is possible before the job is selected, and if it is determined that the trial period has expired after the job is selected, the job execution is guaranteed and the trial function will be used from the next time. Can not.

  When the power of the image forming apparatus 10 is turned off and then turned on again, if the in-use flag in the usage state US is “1”, steps S10 to S10 in FIG. 1 are performed regardless of whether or not the USB memory is inserted. When the process of S12 is performed and it is determined in step S12 that the trial period has elapsed, the used flag of the use state US is set to '1' in step S13, so whether or not it is within the trial period before selecting the job. Appropriate processing is performed accordingly.

  FIG. 4 shows a time (time or / and time) change process. This process is started by operating the operation panel 19 and pressing a time change button (not shown). Conventionally, only step S50 was used, but in the present embodiment, the processes of steps S51 to S53 are added thereto.

  (S50) A normal time change process is performed.

  (S51) If the time is changed in step S50, the process proceeds to step S52, and if not, the process in FIG. 4 is terminated.

  (S52) If the in-use flag of the use state US is “1”, the process proceeds to step S53, and if not, the process of FIG.

  (S53) The used flag is set to “1”.

  Such processing not only makes it impossible to extend the trial period by changing the time, but also shortens the trial period. Therefore, this extension operation is prevented beforehand.

  If it is determined in step S52 that it is not “in use”, that is, if the trial key 21A is not used, step S53 is not passed, so the time change process does not affect subsequent trials.

  Such processing can be performed by distinguishing between the “in use” and “used” flags. Also, by this distinction, if it is not “used” but “in use”, the process proceeds from step S10 to step S11. Therefore, after the trial function is selected in step S22, the trial key 21A is connected to the USB memory interface. There is no need to insert it into the 21I port.

  Further, since the usage state US is stored not in the trial key 21A but in the NVRAM 13, even if another trial key 21A is used after the trial period has passed, the process proceeds from step S20 to step S21 to step S22. Can't extend trial period illegally.

  Furthermore, since the trial key 21A is used when the user desires to try the optional function, the convenience for the user is improved and the probability of purchasing the license key 21B after using the trial key 21A is increased. Vendor profits will also improve.

  Next, processing when the license key 21B is inserted into the port of the USB memory interface 21I will be described.

  In this case, when the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on, the processes in steps S0 to S3 are performed as described above. If the key type information K indicates a license key, the process proceeds to step S4.

  FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart of the process in step S4.

  (S40) The “used” flag in the usage state US is set to “1”. As a result, the trial is distinguished from the use of the optional function with a license. When the license is available, the trial period is not displayed in step Sb2 of FIG.

  (S41) The authenticated information X is decrypted.

  (S42) Since the license code LC and the device identification code DID are combined with the decrypted one, they are separated. This coupling may be a simple series coupling. The initial value of the device identification code DID is irrelevant to the device-specific ID and is determined as described later.

  (S43) The license code LC is substituted into a predetermined function f to obtain a = f (LC).

  (S44) If the value a matches the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S45, and if not, the process of FIG. 5 is terminated. In other words, the license code LC and the function f are determined so that the value a is equal to a predetermined value when the license code LC is normal. This predetermined value is encrypted and stored in the NVRAM 13, and is decrypted before the match determination.

  (S45) The device identification code DID is substituted into a predetermined function g to obtain b = g (DID).

  (S46) If the value b matches a predetermined value, it is determined that the value is the first time, and the process proceeds to step S47. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S49. In other words, the device identification code DID and the function g are such that if the device identification code DID is an initial value, the value b matches a predetermined value, otherwise it does not match any actual device identification code DID. (For example, a code that is not used in the actual device identification code DID is used, or a value having a bit number different from that of the actual device identification code DID is used). This predetermined value is encrypted and stored in the NVRAM 13, and is decrypted before the match determination.

  (S47) A predetermined unique ID of the device, for example, the CPU ID or the printer manufacturing number is read and used as a new device identification code DID, and the device identification code DID and the license code LC are combined (separated in step S42). Are combined and encrypted and stored in the NVRAM 13 as the authenticated information X.

  (S48) The license flag in the usage state US is set to “1”, and the processing of FIG.

  (S49) When the above-mentioned predetermined apparatus identification code is read and this coincides with the apparatus identification code DID separated in step S42, it can be determined that the license key 21B is not used by another image forming apparatus. Further, since it is determined in step S44 that the license code LC is authorized and the license key 21B can be estimated to be authorized, the process proceeds to step S48, and if not, the process of FIG. 5 is terminated.

  Such processing can prevent unauthorized use of the license key 21B. Further, regardless of whether the image forming apparatus is powered on or off, the license flag is set to “0” in step S31 every time the job is completed, license authentication is performed in steps S4 through steps S1 to S3, and the license key 21B is assigned. If it is not inserted into the port of the USB memory interface 21I, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S10, proceeds to step S14 or S15 through the step S20 side or step S11 side, and passes through or without passing through step S16. Since the process proceeds to S19 and the valid flag is set to “0”, the optional function cannot be executed, and unauthorized use of the license key 21B can be more reliably prevented.

  In addition, the trial key 21A is configured by a USB memory like the license key 21B, and any of the optional functions can be used simply by inserting the key into the port.

  Note that the present invention includes various other modifications.

  For example, the present invention only needs to be able to limit the trial period and manage the trial deadline properly, so that the optional function can be used from the beginning without using the trial key.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the trial start information can be easily input by inserting the USB memory as the storage key into the port has been described. However, the trial start key is displayed on the operation panel 19 and pressed. The trial start information can be input by pressing a plurality of keys on the operation panel 19 that are not normally used, for example, the COPY key, the FAX key, and the SCAN key in FIG. 6B at the same time. The structure to be made may be sufficient.

  In the above embodiment, the USB memory is used as the removable storage device. However, another removable storage device such as a hard disk card or an SD card is used, and the interface is used according to the removable storage device. There may be.

  The trial period may include not only the date but also the time.

  Further, a configuration may be adopted in which part or all of the information shown in FIG. 3A, in particular the usage state, is encrypted and stored in the NVRAM 12 and decrypted when used.

  Furthermore, although the case where the image forming apparatus is a multifunction peripheral has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention is naturally applicable to a single-function image forming apparatus.

4 is a flowchart illustrating processing started by turning on the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a flowchart showing a process started by pressing the job start key after the process of FIG. 1, (B) is a flowchart explaining whether or not the option routine is executed, and (C) is a part of the process in the option routine. It is a flowchart which shows. (A) is explanatory drawing of the information stored in NVRAM of FIG. 7, (B) is explanatory drawing of the information stored in the non-volatile memory of the trial key or license key of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a time change process. It is a detailed flowchart of the process of step S4 of FIG. 1 or step S62 of FIG. (A)-(E) are figures which show the operation panel display screen for demonstrating the process of step S22 and S18 of FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Image forming apparatus 11 MPU
12R ROM
12D DRAM
13 NVRAM
14 HDD
14I, 15I, 16I, 17I, 18I, 19I, 20I Interface 15 NIC
16 Auto Sheet Feeder 17 Scanner 18 Printer 19 Operation Panel 20 Modem 21I USB Memory Interface 21A Trial Key 21B License Key 21C USB Memory 22 Timer 23 Bus US Usage State K Key Type X Authentication Information LC License Code DID Device Identification Code

Claims (7)

A processor;
Program storage means coupled to the processor and storing an application including optional routines;
Instruction input means coupled to the processor;
Clock means for outputting the current time;
And an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a supplied paper,
A trial information storage unit coupled to the processor and storing trial time limit information and trial status information;
The application
(A) Update the trial status information based on the comparison result between the trial time limit indicated by the trial time limit information and the current time between the start of the application and before the start of the job, and at the end of the job,
(B) When the trial status information indicates “valid”, the option routine is executed in response to an instruction input from the instruction input unit;
An image forming apparatus. The application
In the step (a), when the comparison result indicates that the trial period has elapsed, the trial state information is set to indicate “trial”, and the trial state information does not indicate “trial”. And, when the comparison result indicates that it is within the trial period, the trial status information indicates “valid”.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The application further provides the processor with
If the setting of the current time for the clock means is changed in response to an instruction input from the instruction input means, and the trial status information indicates that the trial status is being used, the trial status information indicates “ To indicate `` Trial finished '',
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. A trial start information input means for inputting trial start information;
The application further to the processor prior to step (a)
(C) Determine whether or not the trial start information is input, and proceed to step (a) only when an affirmative determination is made.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising steps. The trial start information input means has a coupling means to which a removable storage device constituting a storage key is coupled, and a removable storage device interface coupled between the coupling means and the processor,
The step (c)
(C1) let it be determined whether or not the storage key is coupled to the coupling means;
(C2) If an affirmative determination is made, the authentication information is read from the storage key, and if the authentication information is authorized, it is determined that the trial start information has been input. ,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. The application
If it is determined in step (c2) that the authentication target information is authentic, the trial status information is set to indicate “trial use”;
Before the step (c2), it is determined whether or not the trial status information is “in trial”. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to the step (a).
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. Further comprising display means coupled to the processor;
The application sends the processor in step (c2):
If it is determined that the authentication target information is authentic, the display means displays the function of the optional routine and an inquiry as to whether or not the user should try the function,
When the instruction from the input instruction means indicates that the user tries the function, it is determined that the trial start information is input.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.

Images