JP2009301474A - Image forming apparatus, key management server device and activation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inexpensively execute activation without needing a physical medium such as a USB memory. <P>SOLUTION: A composite machine 1 has: a Web browser 1a accessing a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a Web server 2a corresponding to each option function, and acquiring an activation key of the option function from the Web server 2a; and an activation processing part activating the option function based on the activation key acquired by the Web browser 1a. A key management server device 2 has the Web server 2a transmitting, to the Web browser 1a of the composite machine 1, the activation key to the option function specified from the received URL when receiving an activation key issuing request transmitted to the URL corresponding to the option function to be activated from the Web browser 1a of the composite machine 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a key management server apparatus, and an activation system.

  Conventionally, in addition to standard functions, multifunction devices have optional functions that cannot be used in the default state. When a user purchases an activation key from a vendor and installs it in the multifunction device, the optional functions are activated and usable. The user purchases the USB memory storing the activation key, connects the USB memory to the multifunction peripheral, and performs a predetermined operation on the multifunction peripheral. In accordance with the operation, the activation key is read from the USB memory by the multifunction device and introduced into the multifunction device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Also, when returning the activation key, the activation is canceled in the multifunction peripheral, and the USB memory is returned to the vendor.

JP 2007-259357 A

  However, when the optional function is activated by the above-described method, a cost for manufacturing and distributing a physical medium such as a USB memory is required. Further, the user needs to operate the multi-function device as described above after obtaining the USB memory storing the activation key. For this reason, it takes a long time to complete the activation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and does not require a physical medium such as a USB memory, and can be activated at a low cost, and used in the activation system. An object is to obtain a possible image forming apparatus and key management server apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is configured as follows.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention uses a network communication unit capable of communicating with a web server via a network, and accesses the URL of the web server corresponding to each optional function using communication by the network communication unit. A web browser for obtaining an activation key for the optional function from the computer, and an activation means for activating the optional function based on the activation key obtained by the web browser.

  Thus, since the image forming apparatus acquires the activation key directly from the web server by the web browser, the activation can be performed at low cost without requiring a physical medium such as a USB memory. Moreover, since a web browser is used, a user interface at the time of activation can be easily realized. Furthermore, it is not necessary to separately transmit data specifying an optional function to be activated.

  In addition to the image forming apparatus described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be configured as follows. In this case, the URL includes a different domain name or IP address for each optional function.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be configured as follows in addition to any of the image forming apparatuses described above. In this case, the URL includes a different path for each optional function.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be configured as follows in addition to any of the image forming apparatuses described above. In this case, the URL includes a different URL parameter for each optional function.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be configured as follows in addition to any of the image forming apparatuses described above. In this case, the activation key is generated based on the identification information of the image forming apparatus. The URL includes identification information of the image forming apparatus as a URL parameter.

  This further eliminates the need for separately transmitting data specifying the identification information of the image forming apparatus requesting activation.

  The key management server device according to the present invention transmits an activation key generation means for generating an activation key for an optional function of the image forming apparatus and a URL corresponding to the optional function to be activated from the web browser of the image forming apparatus. And a web server that transmits an activation key for the optional function specified from the received URL to the web browser of the image forming apparatus when receiving the activation key issue request.

  Thus, since the image forming apparatus acquires the activation key directly from the web server by the web browser, the activation can be performed at low cost without requiring a physical medium such as a USB memory. In addition, since a web browser can be used in the image forming apparatus, a user interface at the time of activation can be easily realized. Furthermore, it is not necessary to receive data specifying the optional function to be activated.

  In addition to the key management server device described above, the key management server device according to the present invention may be configured as follows. In this case, the web server receives the identification information of the image forming apparatus together with the activation key issue request. The activation key generation unit generates an activation key unique to each combination of the image forming apparatus and the optional function specified from the URL based on the identification information of the image forming apparatus received by the web server. .

  The key management server apparatus according to the present invention may be as follows in addition to any of the key management server apparatuses described above. In this case, the URL includes a different domain name or IP address for each optional function.

  The key management server apparatus according to the present invention may be as follows in addition to any of the key management server apparatuses described above. In this case, the URL includes a different path for each optional function.

  The key management server apparatus according to the present invention may be as follows in addition to any of the key management server apparatuses described above. In this case, the URL includes a different URL parameter for each optional function.

  The key management server apparatus according to the present invention may be as follows in addition to any of the key management server apparatuses described above. In this case, the activation key is generated based on the identification information of the image forming apparatus. The URL includes identification information of the image forming apparatus as a URL parameter.

  This further eliminates the need to separately receive data specifying the identification information of the image forming apparatus requesting activation.

  An activation system according to the present invention includes any one of the image forming apparatuses described above and any one of the key management server apparatuses described above.

  Thus, since the image forming apparatus acquires the activation key directly from the web server by the web browser, the activation can be performed at low cost without requiring a physical medium such as a USB memory. Moreover, since a web browser is used, a user interface at the time of activation can be easily realized. Furthermore, it is not necessary to separately send and receive data specifying the optional function to be activated.

  According to the present invention, activation can be performed at low cost without requiring a physical medium such as a USB memory.

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

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an activation / deactivation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the system shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 1 and the key management server device 2 can communicate via the network 3. A web browser 1a operates in the multifunction device 1, a web server 2a operates in the key management server device 2, and communication between the multifunction device 1 and the key management server device 2 is performed between the web browser 1a and the web server 2a. In accordance with HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

  The multifunction device 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus, and has a print function, a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, and the like. The multifunction device 1 has an optional function that is operable after activation, in addition to the standard functions. Standard features are those that are allowed to be used without activation. The optional function is a function in which necessary hardware (such as an expansion board) and software (that is, a program) are installed, use is prohibited before activation, and use is permitted after activation. In addition, the optional function is prohibited from being used again when it is deactivated after activation.

  As an optional function, for example, a high security function, a PDF optional function, an Internet facsimile function, and the like can be considered. The high security function is a function for automatically deleting data generated during printing or copying. The PDF option function is a function of compressing the file size when encrypting a PDF file or encrypting the PDF file with a password. The Internet facsimile function is a function for transmitting and receiving image data read from a document as electronic mail via the Internet.

  The multifunction device 1 acquires the activation key necessary for activation from the key management server device 2 by the web browser 1a, and executes the activation if the activation key is valid. After that, the activated optional function becomes available to the user.

  On the other hand, the key management server apparatus 2 issues an activation key and a deactivation key, and also activates information on the activation status of the optional function of the multi-function device 1 (any of unactivated, activated and deactivated) And the number of activation times (the number of times the activation key is issued for the same optional function of the same multifunction device 1). When the web server 2a receives the activation key or deactivation key issuance request from the multifunction device 1, the key management server device 2 receives the activation key or deactivation key for the optional function designated from the multifunction device 1. It is generated and transmitted to the multifunction device 1.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the multifunction machine 1 in FIG. In FIG. 2, the network communication device 11 is a device that can be connected to the network 3 and communicates with the key management server device 2 via the network 3. As the network communication device 11, a network interface card or the like is used.

  The operation panel 12 is installed in the housing of the multifunction device 1 and includes a display device 12a that displays information to the user, an input device 12b that detects a user operation, and a processor 12c. A liquid crystal display or the like is used as the display device 12a. As the input device 12b, a touch panel, a key switch, or the like arranged on the screen of the display device 12a is used. The processor 12c includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like (not shown), loads various programs into the RAM, and executes them on the CPU, thereby realizing various processing units. It is a device to do. The processor 12c implements the web browser 1a based on the browser program 17b.

  The web browser 1a controls the network communication device 11 to perform communication according to HTTP, interprets web page data described in a script language such as HTTP (Hypertext Markup Language) and JavaScript (trademark), and converts the web page data into web page data. It is a processing unit having a web page data execution function for displaying a screen according to the above and controlling communication using an HTTP client function. Further, the web browser 1a accesses the web server 2a using communication by the network communication device 11 at the time of activation, acquires an activation key from the web server 2a, and communicates by the network communication device 11 at the time of deactivation. The web server 2a is accessed to obtain a deactivation key from the web server 2a.

  If the web server 2a can receive an activation key issuance request with a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) corresponding to each optional function, the web browser 1a accesses the web server 2a using the URL corresponding to each optional function. An activation key for the optional function may be acquired from the web server 2a. In this case, the web server 2a specifies an optional function that is an activation target from the URL that received the activation issue request.

  The image reading device 13 is a device that realizes a scanning function, and is a device that reads an image of a document and outputs it as image data. The printing device 14 is a device that realizes a print function, and is a device that forms an image based on print data and prints the image on paper. The communication device 15 is a device that realizes a facsimile transmission / reception function, and is a device that transmits and receives a facsimile signal by a modem and also converts the facsimile signal and image data to each other.

  The main controller 16 has a computer (not shown) including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and is a device that implements various processing units by loading a program into the RAM and executing the program by the CPU. In the main controller 16, a control unit 16a, an activation processing unit 16b, and a deactivation processing unit 16c are realized based on the control program 17a.

  The control unit 16a is a processing unit that controls the web browser 1a, the network communication device 11, the operation panel 12, the image reading device 13, the printing device 14, and the communication device 15. The control unit 16a refers to the activation status information of the optional function in the optional function table 17c, and when the value of the activation status information has been activated, permits the user to use the optional function, otherwise In this case, the user is prohibited from using the optional function.

  The activation processing unit 16b is a processing unit that activates an optional function based on the activation key acquired by the web browser 1a. The activation processing unit 16b determines whether the activation key acquired by the web browser 1a is valid, and updates the option function table 17c only when the activation key is valid. Then, the optional function for which the activation key is issued is made available.

  The deactivation processing unit 16c is a processing unit that deactivates the optional function based on the deactivation key acquired by the web browser 1a. The deactivation processing unit 16c determines whether or not the deactivation key acquired by the web browser 1a is valid, and only when the deactivation key is valid, the optional function table 17c is updated, and the optional function for which the deactivation key is issued is disabled.

  The data storage device 17 is a device that stores a control program 17a, a browser program 17b, an option function table 17c, and identification information 17d. As the data storage device 17, a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk or a nonvolatile memory is used. The control program 17a and the browser program 17b may be stored in a nonvolatile memory (not shown) in the main controller 16.

  The optional function table 17c is a table that stores an optional function code that is identification information of an optional function and activation status information of the optional function in association with each other. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the option function table 17c in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the optional function with the optional function code “1001” is not activated and is in a use-prohibited state, and the optional function with the optional function code “1002” is activated and usable. It has become.

  The identification information 17d is ID data unique to the multifunction device 1, and is, for example, a serial number. That is, when there are a plurality of multifunction devices 1, each has identification information 17d of a different value.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the key management server apparatus 2 in FIG. In FIG. 4, a network communication device 21 is a device that can be connected to the network 3 and communicates with the multifunction device 1 via the network 3. As the network communication device 21, a network interface card or the like is used.

  The computer 22 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like (not shown), and is a device that implements various processing units by loading a program into the RAM and executing the program by the CPU. The computer 22 realizes an activation processing unit 22a, a deactivation processing unit 22b, and a database processing unit 22c based on the control program 23a, and realizes the web server 2a based on the web server program 23b.

  The web server 2a is a processing unit that has an HTTP server function that controls the network communication device 21 and performs communication according to HTTP. When receiving the activation key issue request from the web browser 1a, the web server 2a transmits the activation key generated by the activation processing unit 22a to the web browser 1a. When the web server 2a receives a deactivation key issuance request from the web browser 1a, the web server 2a transmits the deactivation key generated by the deactivation processing unit 22b to the web browser 1a.

  When the web server 2a receives the identification information of the multifunction device 1 and the identification information of the optional function from the web browser 1a of the multifunction device 1, the web server 2a receives an activation key for the optional function specified by the received identification information of the optional function. You may make it transmit to the web browser 1a of the multi-function device 1.

  When the web server 2a receives the activation key issue request transmitted from the web browser 1a of the multifunction device 1 to the URL corresponding to the optional function to be activated, the web server 2a activates the optional function specified from the received URL. The key may be transmitted to the web browser 1a of the multifunction device 1.

  The activation processing unit 22a is a processing unit that determines whether or not an activation key can be issued, generates an activation key, and registers activation key issuance information in the activation management table 23c.

  In this embodiment, the activation processing unit 22a generates an activation key with a predetermined function including, as arguments, identification information of the multifunction device 1 and identification information of an optional function to be activated.

  The deactivation processing unit 22b performs processing for determining whether or not to issue a deactivation key, generating a deactivation key, detecting completion of deactivation, registering deactivation completion information in the activation management table 23c, and the like. Part.

  In this embodiment, the deactivation processing unit 22b generates a deactivation key with a predetermined function including as arguments the identification information of the multifunction device 1 and the identification information of the optional function to be activated. Note that the deactivation processing unit 22b may generate the deactivation key using a predetermined function including the issued activation key as an argument. By these methods, a deactivation key that is paired with an activation key is generated.

  The database processing unit 22c is a processing unit that receives a command and reads / writes data from / to the activation management table 23c according to the command. As the command, for example, a SQL (Structured Query Language) command is used.

  The data storage device 23 is a device that stores a control program 23a, a web server program 23b, and an activation management table 23c. As the data storage device 23, a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk or a nonvolatile memory is used. The activation management table 23c may be stored in another data storage device.

  The activation management table 23 c is a table that holds activation state information of each optional function of each multifunction device 1. In the activation management table 23c, the user ID of the user who performed the activation, the multifunction device ID that is identification information of the multifunction device, the optional function code that is identification information of the optional function, and the activation state information are associated with each other. It is remembered. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the activation management table 23c in FIG. In the activation management table 23c shown in FIG. 5, information on the optional function that has not been activated is not registered, but the information may be registered. Further, although the activation key is not registered in the activation management table 23c shown in FIG. 5, the activation key may be registered together for each record.

  Next, the operation of each device in the system will be described.

(1) Activation of optional functions

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an activation process of an optional function of the multifunction machine 1 in the system shown in FIG.

  When a user operation for starting activation is performed on the input device 12b of the multifunction device 1, the control unit 16a detects the operation and causes the web browser 1a to select an optional function to be activated (step). S1).

  At this time, the web browser 1a of the MFP 1 first refers to the option function table 17c, generates web page data of the list of option functions, and displays the list of option functions on the display device 12a based on the web page data. Display. The list of optional functions includes the code, name, and activation status information of the optional function for each optional function. When an operation for selecting an optional function in the list is performed on the input device 12b after the display of the list is started, the web browser 1a detects the operation and identifies the optional function selected by the operation.

  Next, the web browser 1a identifies the URL of the web server 2a of the key management server device 2 that is the transmission destination of the activation key issue request (step S2).

  At this time, the web browser 1a causes the display device 12a to display a screen having a URL input field and prompting the input based on predetermined web page data. When a URL input operation is performed on the input device 12b after the display of the screen is started, the web browser 1a detects the operation and specifies the input URL. The web browser 1a uses the URL as the transmission destination of the activation key issue request.

  Alternatively, the web browser 1a uses a predetermined URL stored in advance in the data storage device 17 as the transmission destination of the activation key issue request.

  Further, the web browser 1a may use a URL designated in advance for the selected optional function as the transmission destination of the activation key issue request. In that case, the URL is stored in the option function table 17c in association with the option function code, and the web browser 1a refers to the option function table 17c and specifies the URL for the selected option function. May be. Alternatively, in that case, the web browser 1a may generate the URL based on the optional function code of the selected optional function. For example, the web browser 1a can generate a URL by combining a predetermined character string and a character string of an optional function code.

  The destination URL of the activation key issue request may include a different domain name or IP address for each optional function, may include a different path for each optional function, or include a URL parameter that differs for each optional function. Also good. For example, in the URL “http://www.xxx.co.jp/a/key.cgi?code=1001”, “www.xxx.co.jp” is the domain name, and “a / key. “cgi” is a path, and “code = 1001” is a URL parameter.

  The web browser 1a transmits an activation key issue request to the destination URL (step S3). For example, the web browser 1a uses an HTTP POST command to transmit a file indicating an activation key issue request to the URL. The file includes identification information (multifunction machine ID) of the multifunction machine 1 and an optional function code of the selected optional function. The optional function code may be included in the URL parameter without being included in the file. Alternatively, when the URL previously assigned to the optional function is a destination, the web browser 1a may include the MFP ID and the optional function code in the URL parameter and transmit an HTTP command. .

  The web server 2a of the key management server apparatus 2 receives the activation key issue request addressed to the URL. The web server 2a continues to wait for an HTTP command addressed to the URL assigned to the web server 2a after activation, and receives the HTTP command when it is transmitted. At this time, when an activation key issuance request is received with the destination URL as a CGI (Common Gate Interface) URL, the CGI may be activated to receive the file with the CGI, or the path of the destination URL As a predetermined folder, the file may be stored in the folder.

  When the web server 2a receives the activation key issuance request, the activation processing unit 22a refers to the file or URL parameter, and identifies the MFP ID and optional function code received together with the activation key issuance request. To do. The activation processing unit 22a determines whether to issue an activation key for the multifunction machine ID and the optional function code based on the multifunction machine ID and the optional function code (step S4).

  For example, at this time, the activation processing unit 22a determines whether the value of the MFP ID and the value of the option function code are valid. That is, it is determined whether or not there is a multifunction device 1 corresponding to the value of the multifunction device ID, and whether or not there is an optional function corresponding to the value of the optional function code.

  If the activation processing unit 22a determines that the activation key is not issued, the activation processing unit 22a ends the processing for the activation key issuance request without issuing the activation key.

  When the activation processing unit 22a determines that the activation key is issued, the web server 2a transmits the web page data of the activation execution confirmation screen to the web browser 1a of the multifunction machine 1 (step S5).

  Upon receiving the web page data, the web browser 1a of the multifunction device 1 displays an activation execution confirmation screen on the display device 12a based on the web page data. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the activation execution confirmation screen. As shown in FIG. 7, on the activation execution confirmation screen, an optional function name or optional function code, a multifunction machine ID, and an OK button for accepting a confirmation operation by the user are displayed.

  Thereafter, a confirmation operation for pressing the OK button is performed on the input device 12b. When the web browser 1a detects the operation, the operation information is transmitted to the web server 2a of the key management server device 2 (step S7).

  In the key management server device 2, when the web server 2a receives the operation information, the activation processing unit 22a generates an activation key (step S8). The activation key is generated based on the MFP ID and optional function code received from the MFP 1. For example, a value of a function including a multifunction machine ID and an optional function code as arguments is calculated as an activation key. If a URL is specified for each optional function, the optional function code is specified from the URL that received the activation key issue request. At this time, the activation processing unit 22a refers to the activation management table 23c, and does not issue an activation key when the number of activations for the optional function of the multifunction device 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. It may be. That is, in this case, the activation key is issued only when the number of times of activation is less than a predetermined value.

  When the activation key is generated by the activation processing unit 22a, the web server 2a transmits the activation key to the web browser 1a of the multifunction machine 1 (step S9).

  In the multifunction device 1, when the activation key is received by the web browser 1a, the activation processing unit 16b determines whether or not the activation key is valid (step S10). At this time, the activation processing unit 16b calculates the activation key from the information stored in the data storage device 17 by the same method as the activation processing unit 22a of the key management server device 2, and calculates the calculated activation key. Whether the activation key is valid or not is determined based on whether the received activation key matches the received activation key.

  If the activation processing unit 16b determines that the activation key is not valid, the web browser 1a causes the display device 12a to display a screen including a message indicating that the activation has failed.

  On the other hand, if the activation processing unit 16b determines that the activation key is valid, the activation processing unit 16b executes activation (step S11). At this time, the activation processing unit 16b changes the value of the activation state information of the optional function to be activated in the optional function table 17c to activated. Accordingly, the optional function can be used, and the control unit 16a operates the optional function in response to a request from the user.

  When activation is completed by the activation processor 16b, the web browser 1a transmits an activation completion notification to the web server 2a of the key management server device 2 (step S12).

  In the web server 2a of the key management server device 2, when the web server 2a receives the activation completion notification, the activation processing unit 22a supplies a command to the data processing unit 22c to update the activation management table 23c ( Step S13). At this time, for the optional function of the MFP 1 whose activation has been completed, the MFP ID, the optional function code, the activation status information (value: activated), and the number of times of activation are stored in the activation management table 23c as one record. be registered. At this time, when a record for the optional function of the multifunction device 1 that has been activated is newly registered, the activation count is set to 1, and the deactivated optional function of the multifunction device 1 is reactivated. In this case, the number of activations is a value obtained by increasing the registered number of activations by one. In addition, when the user ID of the user who is logged in to the multifunction device 1 at the time of activation is transmitted from the multifunction device 1 to the key management server device 2 together with the multifunction device ID, the user ID, the multifunction device ID, and the option The function code, activation state information (value: activated) and the number of activations are registered as one record in the activation management table 23c. The activation status information whose value has been activated is an example of activation issue information.

  In this way, activation for the optional function of the multifunction device 1 is executed.

(2) Deactivation of optional functions

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a deactivation process of the optional function of the multifunction machine 1 in the system shown in FIG.

  When a deactivation start user operation is performed on the input device 12b of the multifunction device 1, the control unit 16a detects the operation and causes the web browser 1a to select an optional function to be deactivated. (Step S21).

  At this time, the web browser 1a of the MFP 1 first refers to the option function table 17c, generates web page data of the list of option functions, and displays the list of option functions on the display device 12a based on the web page data. Display. The list of optional functions includes the code, name, and activation status information of the optional function for each optional function. At this time, a list including only activated optional functions may be displayed. When an operation for selecting an optional function in the list is performed on the input device 12b after the display of the list is started, the web browser 1a detects the operation and identifies the optional function selected by the operation.

  Next, the web browser 1a specifies the URL of the web server 2a of the key management server device 2 that is the transmission destination of the deactivation key issuance request (step S22).

  At this time, the web browser 1a causes the display device 12a to display a screen having a URL input field and prompting the input based on predetermined web page data. When a URL input operation is performed on the input device 12b after the display of the screen is started, the web browser 1a detects the operation and specifies the input URL. The web browser 1a uses the URL as the transmission destination of the deactivation key issue request.

  Alternatively, the web browser 1a sets a predetermined URL stored in advance in the data storage device 17 as a transmission destination of the deactivation key issue request.

  Further, the web browser 1a may use a URL designated in advance for the selected optional function as the transmission destination of the deactivation key issue request. In that case, the URL is stored in the option function table 17c in association with the option function code, and the web browser 1a refers to the option function table 17c and specifies the URL for the selected option function. May be. Alternatively, in that case, the web browser 1a may generate the URL based on the optional function code of the selected optional function. For example, the web browser 1a can generate a URL by combining a predetermined character string and a character string of an optional function code.

  The destination URL of the deactivation key issue request may include a different domain name or IP address for each option function, may include a different path for each option function, or may include a URL parameter that differs for each option function. You may make it.

  The destination URL of a deactivation key issuance request for an optional function may be the same as the destination URL of the activation key issuance request for the optional function.

  The web browser 1a transmits a deactivation key issue request to the destination URL (step S23). For example, the web browser 1a uses a HTTP POST command to transmit a file indicating a deactivation key issuance request to the URL. The file includes identification information (multifunction machine ID) of the multifunction machine 1 and an optional function code of the selected optional function. The optional function code may be included in the URL parameter without being included in the file. Alternatively, when the URL previously assigned to the optional function is a destination, the web browser 1a may include the MFP ID and the optional function code in the URL parameter and transmit an HTTP command. .

  The web server 2a of the key management server device 2 receives the deactivation key issue request addressed to the URL. The web server 2a continues to wait for an HTTP command addressed to the URL assigned to the web server 2a after activation, and receives the HTTP command when it is transmitted. At this time, when the deactivation key issuance request is received with the destination URL as the CGI URL, the CGI may be activated to receive the file with the CGI, or the path of the destination URL may be set to a predetermined folder. The file may be stored in the folder.

  When the web server 2a receives the deactivation key issuance request, the deactivation processing unit 22b refers to the file or URL parameter and receives the MFP ID and optional function received together with the deactivation key issuance request. Identify the code. The deactivation processor 22b determines whether or not to issue a deactivation key for the multifunction machine ID and optional function code based on the multifunction machine ID and optional function code (step S24).

  For example, at this time, the deactivation processing unit 22b determines whether or not the value of the MFP ID and the value of the option function code are valid. That is, it is determined whether or not there is a multifunction device 1 corresponding to the value of the multifunction device ID, and whether or not there is an optional function corresponding to the value of the optional function code.

  If it is determined that the deactivation key is not issued, the deactivation processing unit 22b ends the process for the deactivation key issuance request without issuing the deactivation key.

  If the deactivation processing unit 22b determines that the deactivation key is issued, the web server 2a transmits the web page data of the deactivation execution confirmation screen to the web browser 1a of the multifunction machine 1 (step S25). .

  Upon receiving the web page data, the web browser 1a of the multifunction device 1 displays a deactivation execution confirmation screen on the display device 12a based on the web page data. On the deactivation execution confirmation screen, an optional function name or optional function code, a multifunction machine ID, and an OK button for accepting a confirmation operation by the user are displayed.

  Thereafter, a confirmation operation for pressing the OK button is performed on the input device 12b. When the web browser 1a detects the operation, the operation information is transmitted to the web server 2a of the key management server device 2 (step S27).

  In the key management server device 2, when the web server 2a receives the operation information, the deactivation processing unit 22b generates a deactivation key (step S28). In this case, the deactivation key is generated based on the MFP ID and the optional function code received from the MFP 1. For example, a value of a function including a multifunction machine ID and an optional function code as arguments is calculated as a deactivation key. If a URL is specified for each optional function, the optional function code is specified from the URL that received the deactivation key issue request.

  When the activation key is generated by the deactivation processor 22a, the web server 2a transmits the activation key to the web browser 1a of the multifunction machine 1 (step S29).

  In the multifunction device 1, when the activation key is received by the web browser 1a, the deactivation processing unit 16c determines whether or not the deactivation key is valid (step S30). At this time, the deactivation processing unit 16c calculates the deactivation key from the information stored in the data storage device 17 by the same method as the activation processing unit 22b of the key management server device 2, and calculates the calculated media. It is determined whether or not the deactivation key is valid depending on whether or not the activation key matches the received deactivation key.

  If the deactivation processing unit 16c determines that the deactivation key is not valid, the web browser 1a causes the display device 12a to display a screen including a message indicating that the deactivation has failed.

  On the other hand, if the deactivation processing unit 16c determines that the deactivation key is valid, it executes deactivation (step S31). At this time, the deactivation processing unit 16c changes the activation state information value of the optional function to be deactivated in the optional function table 17c to deactivated. As a result, the optional function is disabled again, and the control unit 16a prohibits the operation of the optional function. The deactivation processing unit 16c generates a return code for the optional function after deactivation.

  When the deactivation is completed by the deactivation processing unit 16c, the web browser 1a transmits a return code to the web server 2a of the key management server device 2 (step S32).

  In the web server 2a of the key management server device 2, when the web server 2a receives the return code, the deactivation processing unit 22b supplies a command to the data processing unit 22c to update the activation management table 23c (step). S33). At this time, the value of the activation state information in the optional function record of the multifunction device 1 that has been deactivated is changed from activated to deactivated. The activation status information whose value is deactivated is an example of deactivation completion information.

  In this way, deactivation of the optional function of the multifunction device 1 is executed.

  In the deactivation process, the MFP ID and the option function code are transmitted from the MFP 1 to the key management server device 2 together with the deactivation key issuance request. Instead, the deactivation key issuance request is sent. An activation key may be transmitted together. In this case, an activation key is registered in the optional function table 17c of the multifunction device 1 in association with the optional function code, and the activation key is transmitted together with the deactivation key issuance request. The activation key is registered in the activation management table 23c of the key management server device 2 in association with the MFP ID and the option function code, and the same activation key as the received activation key is registered. An optional function deactivation key is issued. In this case, the deactivation key may be generated based on the activation key, not based on the MFP ID and the optional function code. When generating a deactivation key based on the activation key, the deactivation key may be calculated by a function including the activation key as an argument.

  The key management server device 2 according to the first embodiment includes a web server function by the web server 2a, an application server function for issuing an activation key and a deactivation key, and a database server function for holding activation state information. It also serves as.

  As described above, the activation system according to the first embodiment includes the multifunction device 1 and the key management server device 2.

  The multifunction device 1 accesses the URL of the web server 2a corresponding to each optional function by using the network communication device 11 capable of communicating with the web server via the network 3 and communication by the network communication device 11. A web browser 1a that acquires an activation key of the optional function from the server 2a, and an activation processing unit 16b that activates the optional function based on the activation key acquired by the web browser 1a are provided.

  Also, the key management server device 2 is transmitted from the web browser 1a of the multifunction device 1 to the URL corresponding to the optional function to be activated, and the activation processing unit 22a that generates an activation key for the optional function of the multifunction device 1. A web server 2a that transmits an activation key for an optional function specified from the received URL to the web browser 1a of the multifunction device 1 when the activation key issuance request is received.

  As a result, the multifunction device 1 acquires the activation key directly from the web server 2a by the web browser 1a, so that activation can be performed at low cost without requiring a physical medium such as a USB memory. . Moreover, since the web browser 1a is used, the user interface at the time of activation can also be realized easily. Furthermore, it is not necessary to separately send and receive data specifying the optional function to be activated.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the activation / deactivation system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  In the second embodiment, the activation processing unit 22a and the deactivation processing unit 22b in the first embodiment are the application server 2b, and the database processing unit 22c in the first embodiment is the database server 2c. The multifunction machine 1 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the key management server apparatus 2 in FIG. In the second embodiment, the application server 2b is realized by executing the AP server program 23d by the computer 22, and the database server 2c is realized by executing the DB server program 23e by the computer 22. Other components in FIG. 10 are the same as those shown in FIG.

  In the second embodiment, the web server 2a, the application server 2b, and the database server 2c perform server-to-server communication, thereby executing the same processing as the key management server device 2 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the system of the second embodiment, the activation process and the deactivation process similar to the system of the first embodiment are executed.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an activation / deactivation system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the multifunction device 1 is connected to the local network 101, and the key management server device 2 similar to that in the second embodiment is connected to the Internet 103. The local network 101 is connected to the Internet 103 via a gateway 102. The gateway 102 has a firewall function. The gateway 102 may be a router.

  Note that the multifunction machine 1 in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. In the system according to the third embodiment, the activation process and the deactivation process are executed in the same manner as the systems according to the first and second embodiments.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, since the web server 2a, the application server 2b, and the database server 2c exist on the Internet 103, a system can be constructed at low cost.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an activation / deactivation system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, the multifunction device 1 is connected to the local network 101, and the key management server device 2 similar to that in the second embodiment is connected to another local network 104. The local network 104 is a network area managed by the manufacturer or sales company of the multifunction machine 1. On the other hand, the local network 101 is a network managed by a customer who uses the multifunction machine 1. The local network 101 is connected to the local network 104 via the gateway 102. Therefore, the local network 101 and the local network 104 are different IP networks. The local network 104 is an IP network different from the Internet 103.

  Note that the multifunction machine 1 in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. In the system according to the fourth embodiment, the activation process and the deactivation process are executed in the same manner as the systems according to the first to third embodiments.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, since the web server 2a, the application server 2b, and the database server 2c can be installed in the network 104 managed by the service provider, the Internet 103 is not used. The services to be provided can be defined relatively freely.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an activation / deactivation system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, the multifunction device 1 is connected to the local network 101, and the key management server device 2 having the application server 2 b and the database server 2 c similar to those in the second embodiment is connected to the local network 101. Further, another server device 201 having the same web server 2 a as that of the second embodiment is connected to another local network 104. The local network 104 is a network area managed by the manufacturer or sales company of the multifunction machine 1. On the other hand, the local network 101 is a network managed by a customer who uses the multifunction machine 1. The local network 101 is connected to the local network 104 via the gateway 102. Therefore, the local network 101 and the local network 104 are different IP networks. The local network 104 is an IP network different from the Internet 103.

  The multi-function device 1 in the fifth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. In the system according to the fifth embodiment, the activation process and the deactivation process are executed in the same manner as the systems according to the first to fourth embodiments.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the application server 2b and the database server 2c are installed in the customer network 101, and the application server 2b and the database server 2c are installed in the network 104 managed by the service provider. Therefore, it is not necessary to use the Internet 103, and the web service to be provided can be defined relatively freely. Further, by installing the application server 2b and the database server 2c in the customer's network 101, when user information such as a user ID is saved, it is saved in the customer's network 101, so that security is improved.

  Each embodiment described above is a preferred example of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, when the activation function is activated again for an optional function of a certain MFP 1 whose activation state information value in the activation management table 23c of the key management server device 2 has been deactivated, The activation processing unit 22a or the application server 2b generates an activation key that is different from the activation key previously issued to the multifunction device 1 and issues the activation key to the multifunction device 1. In this case, the activation key is generated from the MFP ID and the optional function code by a function different from the function used when generating the previously issued activation key. Therefore, at the time of reactivation, the multifunction device 1 verifies the validity of the activation key with the other function.

  In each embodiment, when the program for realizing the optional function to be activated is not installed, the activation processing unit 16a controls the web browser 1a, for example, and stores the program in the key management server. You may make it download and install from the apparatus 2 or another server apparatus.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the multifunction device 1 is used as an example of an image forming apparatus. Instead, other image forming apparatuses capable of activating and / or deactivating optional functions ( Printer, facsimile communication machine, etc.) may be used. In each of the above embodiments, only one multifunction device 1 is shown. However, a plurality of multifunction devices 1 may be connected to the networks 3 and 101, or the multifunction device 1 and other images. A forming apparatus may be mixed.

  In each of the above embodiments, both activation and deactivation are executed. However, a system that does not perform deactivation by only activation may be used.

  Moreover, in each said embodiment, you may make it perform communication between the web browser 1a and the web server 2a by encryption communication.

  In each of the above embodiments, the web browser 1a operates on the processor 12c of the operation panel 12. Instead, the browser program 17b is executed by a computer in the main controller 17, and the main controller 17b The web browser 1a may be operated.

  In each of the above embodiments, the number of activations is registered in the activation management table 23c of the key management server apparatus 2. However, the number of times of deactivation may be registered instead. In that case, an activation key is issued only when the number of times of deactivation is less than a predetermined value.

  In the first to fifth embodiments, the multifunction device 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus, the network communication device 11 of the multifunction device 1 is an example of a network communication unit, and the activation processing unit 16b of the multifunction device 1 is used. Is an example of an activating means. In the key management server device 2, the activation processing unit 22a is an example of an activation key generating unit.

  The present invention is applicable to, for example, an image forming apparatus that can use an optional function after purchasing the right to use the optional function.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the activation / deactivation system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the option function table in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the key management server apparatus in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the activation management table in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining activation processing of an optional function of a multifunction peripheral in the system shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of an activation execution confirmation screen. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a deactivation process of an optional function of a multifunction peripheral in the system shown in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the activation / deactivation system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the key management server apparatus in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the activation / deactivation system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the activation / deactivation system which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the activation / deactivation system which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (an example of an image forming apparatus)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a Web browser 2 Key management server apparatus 2a Web server 3 Network 11 Network communication apparatus (an example of network communication means)
16b Activation processing unit (an example of activation means)
22a Activation processing unit (activation key generation means)

Claims (12)

Network communication means capable of communicating with a web server via a network;
A web browser for accessing the URL of the web server corresponding to each optional function by using communication by the network communication means, and obtaining an activation key of the optional function from the web server;
An activation means for activating an optional function based on the activation key acquired by the web browser;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the URL includes a domain name or an IP address that is different for each optional function.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the URL includes a different path for each optional function.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the URL includes a different URL parameter for each optional function. The activation key is generated based on identification information of the image forming apparatus,
The URL includes identification information of the image forming apparatus as a URL parameter;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. An activation key generating means for generating an activation key for an optional function of the image forming apparatus;
Upon receiving an activation key issue request transmitted from a web browser of the image forming apparatus to a URL corresponding to an optional function to be activated, the image forming unit receives the activation key for the optional function specified from the received URL. A web server to send to the web browser of the device;
A key management server device comprising: The web server receives the identification information of the image forming apparatus together with the activation key issue request,
The activation key generating unit generates an activation key unique to each combination of the image forming apparatus and the optional function specified from the URL based on the identification information of the image forming apparatus received by the web server. To generate
The key management server device according to claim 6.   The key management server apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the URL includes a domain name or an IP address that is different for each optional function.   The key management server apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the URL includes a different path for each optional function.   The key management server apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the URL includes a URL parameter that is different for each optional function. The activation key is generated based on identification information of the image forming apparatus,
The URL includes identification information of the image forming apparatus as a URL parameter;
The key management server device according to claim 6. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A key management server device according to any one of claims 6 to 11,
An activation system comprising:

Images