JP2010015533A - Installation device, installation method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an installation device and the like for enabling a program for an extension function to be installed without being affected by an increase/decrease in the number of functions in the installation device for an application program with which the extension functions are selectively provided. <P>SOLUTION: The installation device for providing a pre-equipped basic function and an extension function corresponding to a module transferred from a module storage means 45 includes: a definition file storage means for storing a function definition file 31 for defining execution information for executing the module; a function list display part 41 for displaying the list of extension functions; a module determination part 42 for referring to the definition file storage means to determine a module corresponding to the extension function selected by an input means, such as a pointing device, from a list; and a module transfer part 43 for transferring a module determined by the module determination part 42 from the module storage means 45. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an installation apparatus, an installation method, a program, and a storage medium for installing a program in an information processing apparatus that executes an application program.

  Various applications are executed on a PC (Personal Computer), a portable terminal, and the like, but even in one application, an execution form in which a function provided by each program is provided through the application by calling a plurality of programs may be taken. Many.

  As such a program, for example, a plug-in such as a toolbar added to a web browser, and an extended function program provided by the same provider as the application provider are known. By adopting a configuration in which functions are added / deleted later, it is possible for a user who does not need all the functions of the application because it is possible to add / purchase only the necessary extended functions.

  For this reason, many of the applications require a basic function (hereinafter referred to as “basic function”) provided in advance to all users and a user so that necessary functions can be expanded on the user side. It has been developed separately for functions that can be expanded at any time (hereinafter referred to as “extended functions”) and provided to users.

  As a result, the user expands the function according to the purpose of use and the usage by installing the program for the “extended function” provided separately from the application main body on the PC on which the application having the basic function operates. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a function for connecting different DBs to transmit and receive data to and from a plurality of document management DBs (Data Bases) included in the system is a function extension different from the program of the application main body. An integrated document management system to be installed as a program is described.

When the number of DBs to be used increases, the user can install an extended function program necessary for reading data from the DB, and obtain an environment that can support various DBs as needed using one application. be able to.
JP 2001-51840 A

  However, the integrated document management system described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that the user has to install the necessary extension function programs one by one.

  In order to avoid this inconvenience, it is conceivable that the application automatically executes the program for the extended function by notifying the application of the extended function that the user wants to use. However, when the number of extended function programs used by the user increases or decreases, or when the available extended function program is upgraded, the installed extended function program may change. In this case, there is an inconvenience that the user needs to newly notify the application of the extended function to be used or change the notification method.

  Although it is conceivable to generate a list of extended functions, there is an inconvenience that it is always necessary to change the list when the number of extended functions increases or decreases.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an installation apparatus, an installation method, and an installation method capable of installing a program for an extended function without being affected by an increase or decrease in the function in an application program installation apparatus in which an extended function is selectively provided. It is an object to provide a program and a storage medium.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides execution information for executing a module for each extended function in an installation apparatus that provides a basic function provided in advance and an extended function corresponding to the module transferred from the module storage unit. The definition file storage means for storing the definition file in which is defined, the display means for displaying a list of extended functions, and the definition file storage means are referenced, and the extended function selected from the list by an input means such as a pointing device is supported. Module determining means for determining a module to be used, and module transfer means for transferring the module determined by the module determining means from the module storage means.

  Since the module to be installed is determined with reference to the definition file, a desired extended function can be installed without notifying the application of the extended function to be used or creating a list.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a function creation means for reading out from the definition file storage means definition files respectively corresponding to the plurality of extension functions selected by the input means from the plurality of extension functions displayed on the display means. The function creating means creates the definition file of one extended function corresponding to the selected plurality of extended functions using the execution information of each module defined in the plurality of read definition files. It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, since a user can define a plurality of functions as one function, installation of a plurality of extended functions is facilitated, and operability can be improved.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the function creating means determines whether or not the modules respectively corresponding to the plurality of extended functions selected by the input means have setting values. A setting value registration screen for inputting the setting value is displayed on the display means, and the setting value input by the input means is described in the created definition file of the extended function.

  According to the present invention, even if a module requires a setting value, it can be described in the definition file, so that the module installation operation can be facilitated.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the function creating means divides the display area of the display device, the extended function selected in the first display area, and the extended function selected in the second display area in time series. , Each of which is displayed.

  According to the present invention, a new extended function can be defined by visual work.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the function creation means stores the created definition file of the new extended function in the definition file storage means, and the module determination means refers to the definition file storage means and is newly created. The extended function is included in the list and displayed on the display means.

  According to the present invention, since the created extended functions can be displayed as a list, the created extended functions can be installed in the same manner as the original extended functions.

  Moreover, in one form of this invention, a module transfer means transfers the module memorize | stored in the module memory | storage means to the predetermined folder of the said installation apparatus, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  Since the installation can be performed by transferring to a predetermined folder, the extension function can be installed easily.

  Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is a function capturing unit that communicates with an external device and receives a definition file from the external device, and the function capturing unit stores the received definition file in the definition file storage unit. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, since the definition file of the external device can be taken in, the work of defining a new function can be reduced and the operability can be improved.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the module determining unit refers to the definition file storage unit, and includes the extended function received from the external device in a list and displays it on the display unit.

  According to the present invention, since the acquired extended functions can be displayed in a list, the acquired extended functions can be installed in the same manner as the original extended functions.

  According to the present invention, in an installation system having a terminal having a basic function and a server storing a module program for adding an extended function to the basic function of the terminal, the server stores a first module storage storing the module program. Means, first definition file storage means for storing a first definition file in which execution information for executing a module program is defined for each extended function, and first definition file storage means, A first module determining unit that determines a module program corresponding to the extended function requested from the terminal; and a module transmitting unit that transmits the module program read from the first module storage unit. Request the server for a list of extensions defined in the first definition file and receive the extension Display means for displaying a list; and function addition means for transmitting an extension function selected by an input means such as a pointing device from the displayed list of extension functions to the server and installing a module program received from the server. It is characterized by that.

  To provide an installation apparatus, an installation method, a program, and a storage medium capable of installing a program for an extended function without being affected by an increase or decrease in the function in an application program installation apparatus that selectively provides an extended function it can.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an outline of the installation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the user can select a function to be installed in the application from, for example, a “function list”. In this function list, it is displayed with a display function name such as “PDF conversion” or “Webdav” that allows the user to easily understand the contents.

  The installation apparatus 100 determines a program module corresponding to the selected function. This module is an extended function program. Then, the installation apparatus 100 reads a module stored in advance in the installation apparatus 100, a server, or the like, transfers the module to a predetermined folder of the installation apparatus 100, and executes installation.

  Even if a function is added, updated, or deleted (hereinafter simply referred to as increase / decrease in function) due to module version upgrade or the like, the user simply selects “function” without being aware of the increase / decrease in function. Can automatically determine which modules to install. Therefore, the installation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can selectively install each module without being affected by the increase or decrease in the function of the application.

  The installation apparatus 100 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) or a personal computer (PC) having one or more functions of a printer, a facsimile machine, a scanner, and a copying machine, but includes a computer. If it is, it can apply suitably.

  Hereinafter, an extended function program is referred to as a module, a program providing a basic function is referred to as a core program, and an application or an application program when the two are not distinguished.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the installation apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. The installation device 100 includes a control unit 11, a main storage unit 12, an auxiliary storage unit 13, a network I / F 14, an external storage device I / F 15, a detaching device I / F 16, a display device I / F 17, And an input device I / F 18. The installation apparatus 100 is an information processing apparatus (computer) that executes a core program, and is a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, or the like. Further, the installation apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus may be separate.

  All application programs may be stored in the installation apparatus 100 alone, or may be downloaded from a server or the like connected via a network and installed in the installation apparatus 100. That is, it is not necessary for the installation apparatus 100 to store modules to be installed.

  The control unit 11 has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as an entity, and controls each device such as the main storage unit 12, the auxiliary storage unit 13, and the network I / F 14. The control unit 11 executes a program stored in the main storage unit 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13, receives data from the input device 24 or the auxiliary storage unit 13, calculates and processes the data, The data is output to the display device 23 or the auxiliary storage unit 13 (for example, characters input with a keyboard are displayed on the display).

  The main storage unit 12 has, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory, RAM) as an entity, and stores (including temporarily holds) a program executed by the control unit 11 and related data. .

  The auxiliary storage unit 13 has, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory as an entity, and stores an OS (Operating System) as basic software, the above-described application (program), each module for function expansion, and the like together with related data. Storage means. The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores an installation program 25 that implements each function (“means” in the claims) of the installation apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. The control unit 11 reads out the installation program 25 from the auxiliary storage unit 13 and executes it, thereby realizing a “function list display unit 41” described later.

  The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores various information (for example, a function definition file that associates functions with modules) managed by the installation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The network I / F 14 is a communication interface that communicates with an external device via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) constructed by a data transmission path such as a wired and / or wireless line. . For example, processing (data identification, path selection, data packetization, signal error correction, etc.) related to a protocol (for example, PPPoE) corresponding to the data link layer is executed with a NIC (Network Interface Card) as an entity.

  The external storage device I / F 15 is an interface to which a drive device that reads and writes data by mounting an optical storage medium and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory are connected. The external storage device I / F 15 can read data stored in the storage medium 21 and write data to the storage medium 21.

  The installation program 25 is downloaded from a predetermined server via the network I / F 14 or read from a state stored in the storage medium 21 and installed in the auxiliary storage unit 13.

  The detaching device I / F 16 is a USB interface, an IEEE 1394 interface, or the like, and allows data to be read from the detaching device 22 such as a scanner or a digital camera.

  The display device I / F 17 is an interface for connecting a display device 23 such as DVI-D, DVI-A, etc., and converts display data stored in the VRAM into luminance information for each pixel, thereby converting the data into digital data or analog data. To the display device 23. The display device 23 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or a CRT that controls the luminance of each pixel based on a control signal such as synchronization included in digital data or analog data.

  The input device I / F 18 is a dedicated interface for connecting a keyboard and a mouse, and a data transmission / reception interface such as USB or Bluetooth, and acquires user operation information input from the input device 24.

[Outline of Software Configuration of Installation Device 100]
FIG. 3 shows an example of a schematic configuration diagram of the software configuration of the installation apparatus 100. The application 30 installed in the installation apparatus 100 includes a function definition file 31, a UI plug-in 32, an application process 33, a core program 35, and a module 34. The schematic configuration diagram of FIG. 3 shows a state in which several modules 34 are already installed.

  The function definition file 31 is data in which information related to operations such as execution conditions and execution order of the modules 34 necessary for realizing processing performed by the application 30 is defined according to a predetermined format, and includes a plurality of data (data group). It is constituted by. The function definition file 31 will be described later.

  The UI plug-in (UI part) 32 is a program (screen formation information constituting the UI, characters / symbols for menu display, screen transition information, etc.) constituting a UI (User Interface) of the application 30, and this UI. The plug-in 32 is also composed of a plurality of programs (modules).

  The application process 33 is a program that receives an allocation of a usable memory area to the main storage unit 12 from the OS and executes processing. The process executed by the application process 33 includes, for example, a drawing process for displaying a UI on the display device 23 such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT using the UI plug-in 32, and information regarding an operation received from the displayed UI. For example, processing to be sent to the core program 35.

  The module 34 is a program that performs predetermined information processing in order to realize the function of the application 30, and includes a plurality of programs. “Predetermined information processing” here means, for example, “PDF conversion”, “Webdav”, “reading of file”, “update of file”, “printing”, “message display”, “accepting input of operation” , And so on means information processing that realizes a minimum unit function constituting the function of the application 30.

  The core program 35 is a program that executes the module 34 in accordance with information about operations such as operation conditions and operation order defined in the function definition file 31, and a data interface between the UI plug-in 32 and application process 33 and the module 34. The program is a common program that is installed regardless of the installed module 34 and controls the overall operation of the application 30.

The installation program 25 is one of a plurality of programs constituting the core program 35, and is executed upon receiving a notification from the application process 33.
The application 30 configured as described above and installed in the installation apparatus 100 operates as follows.
(1) The UI plug-in 32 receives an operation instruction from the user (for example, when a menu item of the application 30 is selected).
(2) The application process 33 sends the operation instruction received from the UI plug-in 32 to the core program 35.
(3) The core program 35 identifies the function definition file 31 in which information related to the instructed operation is defined from the operation instruction received from the application process 33 (from the plurality of function definition files 31 on the UI). The control data associated with the menu item is specified.), And the module 34 is executed in accordance with the information regarding the operation such as the execution condition and the execution order defined based on the specified control data.

  As described above, in the software related to the application 30 according to the present embodiment, the core program 35 and the module 34 cooperate with each other in accordance with the activation instruction of the user, thereby realizing a process desired by the user in the application 30.

[Function Block of Installation Device 100]
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating means for installing the module 34 by the installation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, using a block diagram. 2 reads out and executes the installation program 25 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, whereby the function list display unit 41, the module determination unit 42, and the module transfer unit 43 are realized. The function definition file 31 and the module group 45 are stored in, for example, the auxiliary storage unit 13.

  First, the function definition file 31 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the function definition file 31. The function definition file 31 is described in a language called XML (Extensible Markup Language).

  XML is a specific character string called a tag, and is one of markup languages that describes the meaning and structure of documents and data. The user can specify a unique tag. Due to such language characteristics, in the function definition file 31 according to the present embodiment, a unique “definition start tag” (for example, “<Tag>”) and a “definition end tag” (for example, “</ Tag>”). (For example, “<Tag> Proc_1 </ Tag>”, etc.).

  Information defined in the function definition file 31 is information for executing the function, for example, the name of the function, the name of the module 34 that realizes the function, and the file name of the module 34. In the illustrated function definition file 31, the Function tag indicates the function of the module 34, and the Process tag indicates that the process is executed by each module 34. Therefore, “name” indicates the function name, “PluginName” indicates the name of the module 34, and “FileName” indicates the file name of the module 34.

  According to the function definition file 31, the name of the function is “PDF transfer to webdav”, and it is defined that the function is realized by the module 34 “ToPDF” and the module 34 “ToWebdav”. A module 34 “ToPDF” is a PDF conversion module 34 that converts a specified file into a PDF format, and a module 34 “ToWebdav” is a module for transferring a PDF-converted file to a Web server. 34. Therefore, the function “PDF transfer to webdav” is a function for continuously performing PDF conversion and Webdav distribution. Such a function definition file 31 is stored for each function.

  The function definition file 31 is generated when the administrator of the application 30 registers each module 34 according to the format shown in FIG. In addition, the administrator stores the latest version of the module 34 among the modules 34 corresponding to each function in the module group 45. As a result, the latest module 34 corresponding to the function name in the function definition file 31 can be read from the module group 45.

  When a module 34 is newly created and functions are increased, the administrator assigns a name to the new function, describes it in “” after “name =”, and names the module 34 in “PluginName”. Are respectively described in “FileName”. Then, the administrator creates a function definition file 31 in which they are described, and stores the module 34 having the file name in the module group 45.

  When the module 34 is deleted from the module group 45 (for example, when the application 30 has finished providing the function of the module 34), the administrator assists the function definition file 31 related to the deleted module 34. Delete from the storage unit 13.

  Further, when a plurality of functions carried by a plurality of modules 34 are combined into one module 34, the function definition file 31 corresponding to the plurality of functions and the module 34 corresponding to the plurality of functions are deleted, and the plurality of functions are deleted. The function definition file 31 of the module 34 that provides is newly created. In addition, when the function of one module 34 is separated into a plurality of modules 34 and each is made into one module 34, the function definition file 31 corresponding to the original one module 34 is deleted and separated. A function definition file 31 corresponding to each of the plurality of modules 34 is created. It is not always necessary to delete the original module 34.

  The function definition file 31 includes “information related to each function” and “information related to the execution order”, “information related to execution conditions” necessary for each module 34 to implement processing, and “process” Similarly, “information on the object” is defined in XML. Therefore, if the module 34 is installed, the core program 35 can realize the function desired by the user with reference to the function definition file 31.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the function list display unit 41 refers to the function definition file 31 and displays the function list on the display device 23. When the user selects a predetermined button using the input device 24 and instructs to start installation, the installation device 100 starts a series of processing procedures for starting installation of the module 34.

  The application process 33 notifies the core program 35 of the input of the installation start operation detected by the UI plug-in 32. As a result, the core program 35 activates the function list display unit 41, and the function list display unit 41 reads the function definition file 31 from the auxiliary storage unit 13 and generates a function list.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function list generated by the function list display unit 41. The function list display unit 41 displays a list of function names on the display device 23 using a web browser. The function list display unit 41 extracts and reads all the character strings surrounded by “” described after “name =” from each function definition file 31. Then, for example, the list is displayed in a predetermined order such as read order, alphabetical order, upgraded version, and the like. The contents of each item of “description”, “version”, and “free memory required for installation” are stored in the function definition file 31.

  The user looks at the function list, searches for a function to be installed, and checks a check box provided at the end of each function using the input device 24 such as a mouse. When all the functions to be installed are selected, and the user confirms the selection by clicking the “install” button 51 or pressing the return key, the UI plug-in 32 acquires the name of the selected function. Since the application process 33 receives the function name from the UI plug-in 32 and sends it to the core program 35, the module determination unit 42 of the installation program 25 is thereby activated.

  The module determination unit 42 refers to the function definition file 31 based on the name of the selected function and determines the file name of the module 34 to be installed. For example, when “PDF transfer to webdav” is selected, the module determination unit 42 determines “ToPDF.dll” and “ToWebdav.dll” as the file names of the modules 34 to be installed. The module determination unit 42 notifies the module transfer unit 43 of the file name of the module 34.

  The module transfer unit 43 transfers the module 34 having the file name of the module 34 notified by the module determination unit 42. The transfer destination is the auxiliary storage unit 13 of the installation apparatus 100 and a folder in which the core program 35 of the application 30 is stored. By transferring the module 34 to the same folder as the core program 35, the core program 35 can execute the module 34 without providing a path and provide an extended function to the user.

  The core program 35 authenticates the transferred module 34 using, for example, a module number, and registers the module 34 in the core program 35 when authentication is established. Registration allows the module 34 transferred in the application 30 to be used.

  The module 34 is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 or a server connected via a network. When stored in the server, the URL (IP address) of the server is known to the module transfer unit 43, and the module 34 can be acquired by transmitting the file name of the module 34 and the transfer request to the server.

  The module transfer unit 43 transfers not only the module 34 but also the core program 35 and a program common to each module 34 together.

[Operation Procedure of Installation Device 100]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for installing the module 34 by the installation apparatus 100. The flowchart in FIG. 7 starts when, for example, the user inputs an installation start operation.

  First, the function list display unit 41 is activated, refers to the function definition file 31, and generates a function list (S10). Since the character string described after “name =” in the function definition file 31 and enclosed in “” is the name of the function, it is read out and displayed on the display device 23.

  When the user selects a function to be installed from the function list and confirms the selection, the UI plug-in 32 acquires the name of the selected function and notifies the module determining unit 42 of the name.

  The module determination unit 42 refers to the function definition file 31 based on the notified function name and determines the name of the module 34 to be transferred (S20). The name of the module 34 to be transferred is the name of the file described after “Filename =” in the function definition file 31 and enclosed in “”. The module determination unit 42 notifies the module transfer unit 43 of the file name of the module 34.

  The module transfer unit 43 reads the module 34 having the file name notified from the module transfer unit 43 from the module group 45 and transfers it to a predetermined folder (S30).

  As described above, the installation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment registers the module 34 necessary for executing the function to be installed in the function definition file 31, whereby the module 34 necessary for the function selected by the user. Since the function can be automatically determined, the function can be installed without being affected by the increase or decrease of the function. That is, since the user does not directly specify the module 34 as the application 30 but only selects a function, even if the function increases or decreases, the module 34 is notified again to the application 30 or the notification method is changed. There is no need. In addition, when the function to be installed is registered in the list, the list needs to be updated due to the increase / decrease in the function. However, the installation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment does not generate the list and thus is not affected by the increase / decrease in the function. .

  In the first embodiment, the user selects a desired function from the function definition file 31. In this embodiment, an installation apparatus 100 that allows a user to define a new function by combining existing functions will be described. If a series of a plurality of functions are newly registered as functions, it is not necessary to select all of the plurality of functions from the function list at the next installation, which improves operability.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating means for installing the module 34 by the installation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, using a block diagram. In FIG. 8, the same parts as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[Create new function definition file 47]
The installation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a function creation unit 46 realized by the control unit 11 illustrated in FIG. 2 reading and executing the installation program 25 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. Further, since the function creation unit 46 creates the new function definition file 47, the new function definition file 47 is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13.

  The function creation unit 46 makes it possible to create a new function by combining a plurality of modules 34. For example, when a user selects a function from the function list of FIG. 6, there is a case where one user wants to create one function from a plurality of functions. For this reason, in this embodiment, a “function creation” button 52 is provided in the function list.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function list of the present embodiment. A “function creation” button 52 is provided in the function list of FIG. 9, and the user can click the “function creation” button 52 with the mouse of the input device 24 or select the “function creation” menu 53 from the “tool” menu. It is like that. The function creation unit 46 displays a function creation screen on the display device 23 when the “function creation” button 52 or the “function creation” menu 53 is selected by the user.

  FIG. 10A shows an example of a function creation screen displayed by the function creation unit 46. The function creation unit 46 reads the name of each function from the function definition file 31 in the same manner as the function list display unit 41 or using the function of the function list display unit 41.

  In FIG. 10A, each read function is displayed on the right side of the function creation screen. On the right side of FIG. 10A, “PDF conversion”, “Webdav delivery”, “name change”, and “OCR” are displayed in a list. As in FIG. 6, the function name may be displayed as it is, or the function name may be converted into a display function name and provided to the user. In FIG. 10A, a function selection button 50 in which a function name for display is displayed in a button shape is arranged. The display function name is displayed when the UI plug-in 32 stores the function name and the display function name in association with each other.

  The user selects (selects) a function selection button 50 for display with a mouse, for example, and selects a series of functions to be newly defined. The user's selection result is reflected on the left side of the function creation screen. As shown in FIG. 10A, the function selected by the user is displayed after “Start Execution”. The UI plug-in 32 acquires the function selected by the user and notifies the core program 35 sequentially. The function creation unit 46 acquires the function selected by the user from the core program 35 and adds the functions to “execution start” in the order in which the user selects the function selection button 50.

  FIG. 10B shows an example of a function creation screen in which the user's function selection is reflected. FIG. 10A shows that “PDF conversion”, “name change”, and “Webdav delivery” are selected in order. The user can give a desired display function name to such a newly defined function. In FIG. 10 (a) or (b), the user can give a function name for display to the column indicated by “function name:”.

  When a series of functions are selected and a function name for display is given, the function creation unit 46 creates a new function definition file 47 from the selected functions. The new function definition file 47 can be created by merging a plurality of function definition files 31.

  FIG. 11A shows a function definition file 31 corresponding to a series of functions selected by the function creation unit 46. In FIG. 11A, the function names are “AAA”, “BBB”, and “CCC” for ease of explanation. The order selected by the user is also in alphabetical order. Also, for example, assume that the user inputs “ABC” as a new display function name on the function creation screen.

  In this case, the function creation unit 46 describes “ABC” in ““ ”” following “Function name =”. As a result, the name of the function is given to the newly created example function. Then, the function creation unit 46 sequentially transfers descriptions of “Process PluginName˜” from the function definition file 31 of the function “AAA”, the function definition file 31 of the function “BB”, and the function definition file 31 of the function “CCC”. To do.

  FIG. 11B shows an example of the new function definition file 47 created by the function creation unit 46. By such a procedure, a new function definition file 47 in which a series of functions are defined can be created in the order of functions selected by the user.

  In FIG. 11B, the function name for display is used as the function name as it is, but the function name for display may be different from the function name. A name (eg, “AAABBBCCC”, etc.) can be assigned. In this case, the UI plug-in 32 stores the display function name input by the user and the function name given by the function creation unit 46 in association with each other. Therefore, after a new function is created, for example, “ABC” can be displayed in the processing list in the right column of the function creation screen, and when the user selects “ABC”, the function “AAABBBCCC” can be specified. it can.

  The name of the function corresponding to the created new function definition file 47 in this way is displayed in the function list of FIG. 6 in the same manner as the function definition file 31 already generated. Therefore, after the new function definition file 47 is created, the user does not need to select a plurality of functions from the function list.

[Register setting values]
Some modules 34 can register some setting values. For example, the module 34 corresponding to the “rename” function may change the file name of a file subjected to PDF conversion, for example, but may want to include a predetermined fixed character or symbol in the changed file name. is there. Therefore, the function creation unit 46 displays a setting value registration screen when any setting value can be registered for the display function name selected from the right column of the function creation screen in FIG. .

  Since this set value differs for each module 34, the function creation unit 46 inquires whether the module 34 selected by the user on the function creation screen has a set value. For example, each module 34 can register a setting value in metadata defining parameters at the time of execution. Therefore, the module 34 refers to the metadata and responds to the function creation unit 46 about the presence or absence of the setting value. A list of modules 34 that can register setting values may be created in advance.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a setting value registration screen displayed on the display device 23 by the function creation unit 46. As a result of the function creation unit 46 inquiring the module 34 selected by the user, if the setting value is a module 34 that can be registered, the function creation unit 46 instructs the UI plug-in 32 to display the setting value registration screen of the module 34. Request. At this time, the function creation unit 46 notifies the UI plug-in 32 of the name of the setting value acquired from the module 34, a character string, and other setting value information. In FIG. 12, “prefix” and “suffix” are set value information. The UI plug-in 32 generates a setting registration screen using function display eyes and setting value information, and displays the setting registration screen on the display device 23.

  When the user inputs “FAX” as a prefix using the keyboard, the function creation unit 46 describes the created function in the new function definition file 47. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the new function definition file 47 in which setting values are described.

As shown in FIG. 10B, when the user selects “PDF conversion”, “name change”, and “Webdav delivery” in this order, the new function definition file 47 includes
"PDF conversion"
<Process PluginName = "ToPDF" ModuleName = "ToPDF.dll"/>
"rename"
<Process PluginName = "Rename" ModuleName = "Rename.dll"/>
<Prefix> FAX </ Prefix>
"Webdav delivery"
<Process PluginName = "ToWebdav" ModuleName = "ToWebdav.dll"/>
Is defined as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 12, since the user inputs the prefix “FAX” for the “rename” function, “FAX” is described in the tag “Prefix” representing the prefix. For example, when the user inputs “FAX” as the suffix, “FAX” is described in the tag “Postfix” representing the prefix.

[Operation Procedure of Installation Device 100]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure for installing the module 34 by the installation apparatus 100. In FIG. 14, the same steps as those in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, when a function list is displayed on the display device 23 (S10), the user can select a function to be installed. The installation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can select the “function creation” button 52 and the like without the user selecting from the function list. Therefore, the function creation unit 46 uses the mouse or the like to perform “function creation”. It is determined whether or not the "" button 52 or the like has been selected (S15).

  When the function is not created (No in S15), that is, when the user does not select the “create function” button 52 or the like, the module determination unit 42 determines the module 34 selected by the user (S20) as in the first embodiment. ), The module transfer unit 43 transfers the determined module 34 to a predetermined folder (S30).

  When creating a function (Yes in S15), that is, when the user selects the “create function” button 52 or the like, the function creation unit 46 displays a function creation screen as shown in FIG. 10A (S40). Then, the function creation unit 46 acquires the function selected by the user and the function name for display acquired by the UI plug-in 32 via the application process 33.

  The function creation unit 46 creates a new function definition file 47 based on the display function name and the selected function (S50). That is, the function name of the function newly created from the function name for display is given, the function definition file 31 is selected based on the selected function, the name of the module 34 and the file name of the module 34 are described, and the new function A definition file 47 is created.

  Next, returning to step S10, the function newly defined by the user is displayed in the function list together with the function of the function definition file 31. When the user selects the newly created function from the function list, the module transfer unit 43 transfers all the modules 34 corresponding to the series of functions to a predetermined folder.

  As described above, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the installation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment allows a user to define a plurality of functions as one function, so that the installation of a plurality of modules 34 is facilitated and the operability is improved. Can be improved.

  In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the user who created the new function definition file 47 installs the module 34 of the function newly defined by the installation apparatus 100. However, since the format of the function definition file 31 and the new function definition file 47 is common to each user, the new function definition file 47 created by the user B can be used by the user A to install the module 34. In this embodiment, an installation apparatus 100 that can take in an external new function definition file 47 will be described. In this embodiment, the function definition file 31 and the new function definition file 47 are referred to as the function definition file 31 without distinguishing between them, and the function definition file 31 or the new function definition file 47 imported from the outside is referred to as the external function definition file. 49.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating a means for installing the module 34 by the installation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, using a block diagram. In FIG. 15, the same parts as those in FIG.

[Create new function definition file 47 for external functions]
The installation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a function capturing unit 48 realized by the control unit 11 illustrated in FIG. 2 reading and executing the installation program 25 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. The external function definition file 49 captured by the function capturing unit 48 is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13.

  The function capturing unit 48 makes it possible to acquire the function definition file 31 from an external device. The external device is, for example, a computer connected via a LAN, a server on the Internet, a NAS (Network Attached Storage), or the like. For this reason, in this embodiment, a “capture function” button 54 is provided in the function list.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function list according to the present embodiment. In the function list of FIG. 9, a “capture function” button 54 is provided, and the user can click the “capture function” button 54 with the mouse of the input device 24 or select a “capture function” menu 55 from “Tools” in the menu. It is like that. The function loading unit 48 displays the function loading screen on the display device 23 when the “function loading” button 54 or the “function loading” menu 55 is selected by the user.

  FIG. 17A shows an example of a function loading screen displayed by the function loading unit 48. For example, the function capturing unit 48 reads the name of each function from the function definition file 31 stored in a folder of a computer connected via a predetermined network. Since the extension (for example, ist) of the function definition file 31 is fixed, if the function definition file 31 is stored in the folder or the like, the list can be displayed.

  In FIG. 17A, each read function is displayed on the right side of the function creation screen. On the right side of FIG. 17A, “PDF conversion”, “Webdav distribution”, “name change”, and “OCR” are displayed in a list. Although the file name is displayed in FIG. 17A, the function name or the function name for display is left as it is in at least a part of the file name so that the user can recall the function name from the file name. It is preferably included.

  Further, on the left side of FIG. 17A, buttons for selecting “recently used file”, “My network”, and “My document” are provided, and the user selects each button with a mouse or the like. You can specify the “file location”.

  If the file location is not clear as shown in FIG. 17A, the function definition file 31 may be searched as shown in FIG. The user can search for a desired function definition file 31 by inputting part or all of the function name or display function name in the search field 61 and selecting the search button 62 with a mouse or the like. The function definition file 31 that has been found in the search can be fetched from a linked folder or the like. In the search, the user can specify the search range 63 in the LAN, the Internet, the desktop, or the like so that a file unrelated to the function definition file 31 can be prevented from hitting the search.

  The function capturing unit 48 stores the function definition file 31 captured on the function capturing screen of FIG. 17A or 17B in the auxiliary storage unit 13. The function definition file 31 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 is referred to as an external function definition file 49.

[Operation Procedure of Installation Device 100]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure for installing the module 34 by the installation apparatus 100. In FIG. 18, the same steps as those in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 16, when a function list is displayed on the display device 23 (S10), the user can select a function to be installed. Since the installation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can select the “capture function” button 54 and the like, the function capture section 48 determines whether the user selects the “capture function” button 54 and the like using a mouse or the like. Is determined (S16).

  When the function is not captured (No in S16), that is, when the user does not select “capture function” 54 or the like, the module determination unit 42 determines the module 34 selected by the user as in the first embodiment (S20). Then, the module transfer unit 43 transfers the determined module 34 to a predetermined folder (S30).

  When the function is captured (Yes in S16), that is, when the user selects the “capture function” button 54 or the like, the function capture unit 48 displays a function capture screen as shown in FIG. 16A (S41). The user selects a desired function definition file 31 from the function definition file 31 displayed on the function import screen with a mouse or the like.

  The function capturing unit 48 acquires the function definition file 31 selected by the user acquired by the UI plug-in 32 via the application process 33.

  The function capturing unit 48 stores the function definition file 31 selected by the user in the auxiliary storage unit 13 (S51). That is, since the function definition file 31 and the external function definition file 49 have the same format, the function definition file 31 and the external function definition file 49 are taken into the installation apparatus 100 by being stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. The installation apparatus 100 can designate the module 34 to be installed using the external function definition file 49 in the same manner as the function definition file 31 stored from the beginning and the new function definition file 47 created by the user.

  Next, returning to step S 10, the functions of the external function definition file 49 captured by the user are displayed in the function list together with the functions of the function definition file 31 and the new function definition file 47. When the user selects a function imported from the outside in the function list, the module transfer unit 43 transfers all the modules 34 corresponding to the series of functions to a predetermined folder.

  As described above, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the installation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment allows the user to import the external function definition file 31, so that the module 34 can be installed without creating a function. The operability can be improved.

In the present embodiment, an embodiment in which the server 300 and the installation apparatus 100 cooperate to install the module 34 will be described.
FIG. 19A illustrates an example of a schematic configuration diagram of an installation system 200 including the server 300 and the installation apparatus 100, and FIG. 19B illustrates an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the server 300. An installation apparatus 100 is connected to a server 300 via a network 101. The network 101 is, for example, an in-house, one department, one floor, etc. LAN, a WAN that connects geographically separated LANs such as between branches, or the Internet. The network 101 may be either wired or wireless.

  Since the module 34 can be stored in the server 300, the capacity of the auxiliary storage unit 13 of the installation apparatus 100 can be suppressed. In addition, since functions such as determining the module 34 can be integrated into the server 300, the cost of each installation apparatus 100 can be reduced. In FIG. 19A, the installation apparatus 100 is an MFP, but other apparatuses or information processing apparatuses may be used.

  The server 300 has a known hardware configuration and is one or more PCs that distribute the module 34 to the installation apparatus 100, but the server 300 may be realized by an MFP.

  The server 300 is configured to include a CPU 71, a RAM 72, a ROM 73, a storage medium mounting unit 74, a NIC 78, an input device 77, a display control unit 76, and a storage 75 that are mutually connected by a bus.

  The CPU 71 reads out an OS (Operating System) and the installation program 25 from the storage 75 and executes them to provide the same functions as those in the above-described embodiment and control the processing performed by the server 300 in an integrated manner.

  The RAM 72 is a working memory (main storage memory) that temporarily stores the installation program 25 and data necessary for processing when the CPU 71 executes the installation program 25, and the ROM 73 starts a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and an OS. Programs and configuration files.

  The storage medium mounting unit 74 is configured such that the storage medium is detachable, and is used when reading the installation program 25 and data recorded in the storage medium 21 and installing it in the storage 75 and writing the installation program 25 and data. Is done.

  The NIC 78 is an interface for connecting to the network 101, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) card, and executes processing in accordance with protocols defined in the physical layer and data link layer of the OSI basic reference model.

  The input device 77 is a device for inputting various operation instructions from the user, such as a keyboard and a mouse. The display control unit 76 draws on a display 79 such as a liquid crystal with a predetermined resolution and the number of colors based on screen information instructed by the program. For example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen is formed, and various windows and data necessary for operation are displayed on the display 79.

  The storage 75 has a nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk drive or SSD (Flash Solid State Drive) as an entity, and the installation program 25 is stored in this embodiment. The installation program 25 is stored in the storage medium 21 and distributed, or downloaded from a server (not shown) connected via the network 101 and installed in the storage 75.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating a means for the installation system 200 to install the module 34 using a block diagram. In FIG. 20, the same parts as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in the figure, this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the server 300 includes a module determination unit 42S, a function definition file 31S, and a module group 45S. The function acquisition unit 81 is a unit for acquiring (receiving) a function from the installation apparatus 100, and the function transfer unit 82 is a unit for transmitting the module 34 to the installation apparatus 100.

  The function list display unit 41 acquires a function list from the server 300 and displays the function list on the display device 23. When the user views a function list and selects a function to be installed, the function list display unit 41 transmits the name of the function to the function transfer unit 82 of the server 300.

  Since the function acquisition unit 81 of the server 300 sends the function to the module determination unit 42S, the module determination unit 42S determines the function definition file and the module 34 necessary for the function, and transfers the function definition file name and the module name to the function. To the unit 82. The function transfer unit 82 transmits the function definition file and the module 34 to the installation apparatus 100. The function arrangement unit 83 of the installation apparatus 100 arranges the module 34 together with the function definition file and the module 34 in a core program (no update is required) that provides the basic function.

  This will be described in detail with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. The sequence diagram of FIG. 21 starts when, for example, the user inputs the start of installation from the input device 77, the installation device 100 is not used for a predetermined period of time, and there is room for resources.

  When the installation is started, the function list display unit 41 of the installation apparatus 100 requests the function acquisition unit 81 of the server 300 to acquire the function list (S110).

  The function acquisition unit 81 of the server 300 acquires function names from all the function definition files, and transmits the function list to the function list display unit 41 of the installation apparatus 100 (S120).

  The function list display unit 41 of the installation apparatus 100 receives the function list and displays the acquired function list on the screen (S130).

  When the user selects a function to be installed on the function list screen, the function list display unit 41 of the installation apparatus 100 transmits the function name selected by the user to the function transfer unit 82 of the server 300 (S140). By transmitting the function name, it is requested to transfer the function definition file and the module 34 necessary for the function.

  The function transfer unit 82 of the server 300 sends the transmitted function name to the module determination unit 42S of the server 300, and requests the determination of the function definition file and the module 34 necessary for the function. The module determination unit 42S of the server 300 extracts a function definition file corresponding to the passed function name, acquires a necessary module name from the function definition file, and transfers the function definition file name and the module name to the function of the server 300. The data is sent to the unit 82 (S150).

  The function transfer unit 82 of the server 300 transfers the function definition file name determined by the module determination unit 42S and the module 34 corresponding to the module name to the function arrangement unit 83 of the installation apparatus 100 (S160).

  The function arrangement unit 83 of the installation apparatus 100 arranges the module 34 by combining the function definition file and the module 34 in the core program (no update is required) that provides the basic function (S170). The arrangement of the module 34 means that the module 34 is stored in a predetermined physical / logical address of the auxiliary storage medium 13 (for example, a folder in which the core program 35 of the application 30 is stored).

  Therefore, according to the installation system 200 of the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the module group 45S of modules 34 and the installation function can be integrated into the server 300.

  In the fourth embodiment, only the server 300 has the module group 45S and the installation function. However, in the present embodiment, the installation system 100 including the module group 45I and the installation function will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically illustrating a means for the installation system 200 to install the module 34 using a block diagram. In FIG. 22, the same parts as those in FIG. As illustrated, in the present embodiment, the installation apparatus 100 includes a module group 45I, a function definition file 31I, a module determination unit 42I, and a function acquisition unit 81S. The module group 45S, the function definition file 31S, the module determination unit 42S, and the function acquisition unit 81S included in the server 300, and the module group 45I, the function definition file 31I, the module determination unit 42I, and the function acquisition unit 81I included in the installation apparatus 100, respectively. The same thing.

  FIG. 23 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for installing the module 34 by the installation system 200.

  When the installation is started, the function list display unit 41 of the installation apparatus 100 requests the function acquisition unit 81S of the server 300 to acquire the function list (S110), as in the fourth embodiment, and the function list existing in the server 300 is obtained. Request to be sent. Thereby, the function acquisition unit 81S of the server 300 acquires the function name from all the function definition files 31S and transmits the function list to the function list display unit 41 of the installation apparatus 100 (S120).

  Further, the function list display unit 41 of the installation apparatus 100 requests the function acquisition unit 81I of the installation apparatus 100 to acquire the function list, and acquires the function list existing in the installation apparatus 100 (S121).

  Then, the function list display unit 41 of the installation apparatus 100 displays the function list received from the server 300 and the function list acquired by the function acquisition unit 81I of the installation apparatus 100 on the display device 23 (S130).

  When the user selects a function to be installed on the function list screen, the function list display unit 41 of the installation apparatus 100 transmits the function name existing in the server 300 among the functions selected by the user to the function transfer unit 82 of the server 300. (S140), the module determination unit 42S of the server 300 determines the function definition file 31S and the module 34 corresponding to the function name (S150). The function transfer unit 82 of the server 300 transfers the function definition file name determined by the module determination unit 42S and the module 34 corresponding to the module name to the function arrangement unit 83 of the installation apparatus 100 (S160).

  Also, the function list display unit 41 of the installation apparatus 100 passes the function name existing in the installation apparatus 100 among the functions selected by the user to the module determination unit 42I of the installation apparatus 100, and acquires the function definition file name and the module name. Request. The module determination unit 42I of the installation apparatus 100 determines the function definition file 31I and the necessary module 34 from the passed function name (S161), and sends the function definition file name and the module name to the function arrangement unit 83 of the installation apparatus 100. To do.

  The function placement unit 83 of the installation apparatus 100 determines the function definition file 31S and the module 34 transferred from the server 300 and the module determination of the installation apparatus 100 in addition to the core program that provides basic functions (no update is required). The function definition file 31I and the module 34 corresponding to the function definition file name and module name determined by the unit 42I are arranged in the auxiliary storage device 13 (S170).

  Therefore, according to the installation system 200 of the present embodiment, the function definition files 31I and 31S and the module 34 can be acquired from both the server 300 and the installation apparatus 100, and the functions that can be used by the installation apparatus 100 can be maximized. For example, the function can be installed even when not connected to the network.

  When a function is added, an additional fee may be generated. In this case, it is convenient that the user can determine whether to add a function according to the fee. In the present embodiment, an installation system 200 capable of displaying a charge amount will be described. If the server 300 and the installation apparatus 100 are connected, accounting management at the server 300 is facilitated.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically illustrating a means for the installation system 200 to install the module 34 using a block diagram. In FIG. 24, the same portions as those in FIG. 22 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the installation apparatus 100 includes a charge amount display unit 87, a charge amount calculation unit 85I, and a charge amount transfer unit 86, and the server 300 includes a charge amount DB 84 and a charge amount calculation unit 85S for each user. Have. In FIG. 24, the installation apparatus 100 is illustrated as having a module group 45I, a function definition file 31I, a module determination unit 42I, and a function acquisition unit 81I. However, as in the fourth embodiment, the installation apparatus 100 performs these functions. You don't have to.

In order to calculate the billing amount, the billing amount is registered for each function in the function definition files 31I and 31S of this embodiment. The charge amount is not registered in the function definition files 31I and 31S of free functions.
<Function name = "PDF transfer to webdav">
<Process PluginName = "ToPDF" FileName = "ToPDF.dll"/>
<Process PluginName = "ToWebdav" FileName = "ToWebdav.dll"/>
<Price> 100000 </ Price>
</ Function>
The billing amount calculation units 85I and 85S refer to the function definition files 31I and 31S based on the function selected by the user, read the billing amount “100000” of the Price tag, and, in the case of a plurality, calculate the sum of them.

  When only the server 300 stores the module 34 as in the fourth embodiment, the billing amount calculation unit 85S of the server 300 reads the billing amount of each function selected by the user, calculates the sum thereof, Are transmitted to the installation apparatus 100. On the other hand, when the module 34 is installed from both the server 300 and the installation apparatus 100 as in the fifth or sixth embodiment, the respective billing amount calculation units 85I and 85S read the billing amount of each function. One charging amount calculation unit 85I or 85S may calculate the total of all the charging amounts, or the charging amount calculation unit 85I of the installation apparatus 100 may calculate the total of the charging amount of the module 34 stored in the installation apparatus 100. The charge amount calculation unit 85S of the server 300 may calculate the total charge amount of the module 34 stored in the server 300.

  FIG. 25 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for installing the module 34 by the installation system 200.

  When installation is started, the function list display unit 41 of the installation apparatus 100 displays the function list of the functions of the server 300 and the installation apparatus 100 on the display device 23 as in the fifth embodiment (S110 to 130).

  The function list display unit 41 of the installation apparatus 100 sends the function list of the server 300 to the billing amount calculation unit 85S of the server 300 and the function list of the installation device 100 to the billing amount calculation unit 85I of the installation device 100, respectively. Request to get the billing amount.

  The billing amount calculation unit 85S of the server 300 searches for the corresponding function definition file 31S from the transmitted function list, acquires the billing amount of each function, and transmits it to the installation apparatus 100. The billing amount calculation unit 85I of the installation apparatus 100 searches the function list for the corresponding function definition file 31S, acquires the billing amount for each function, and sends it to the billing amount display unit 87.

  The billing amount display unit 87 of the installation apparatus 100 displays the billing amount transmitted from the server 300 and the billing amount read by the billing amount calculation unit 85I of the installation device 100 on the display device 23 (S135).

  Thus, the user can select a function to be installed on the function list screen while looking at the billing amount. When the user selects a function to be installed, the billing amount display unit 87 sums the billing amount each time it is selected, and displays the summation result on the display device.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function list generated by the function list display unit 41. In FIG. 26, the same parts as those in FIG. As shown in the figure, “billing amount” is displayed for each function in the function list of this embodiment.

  For example, when the user finally clicks the “install” button 51 or presses the return key and the user confirms the selection, the installation is started as in the fifth embodiment. That is, the function list display unit 41 of the installation apparatus 100 transmits the function name existing in the server 300 among the functions selected by the user to the function transfer unit 82 of the server 300 (S140), and the module determination unit 42S of the server 300. Determines the function definition file 31S and the module 34 corresponding to the function name (S150). The function transfer unit 82 of the server 300 transfers the function definition file name determined by the module determination unit 42S and the module 34 corresponding to the module name to the function arrangement unit 83 of the installation apparatus 100 (S160).

  Also, the function list display unit 41 of the installation apparatus 100 passes the function name existing in the installation apparatus 100 among the functions selected by the user to the module determination unit 42I of the installation apparatus 100, and acquires the function definition file name and the module name. Request. The module determination unit 42I of the installation apparatus 100 determines the function definition file 31I and the necessary module 34 from the passed function name (S161), and sends the function definition file name and the module name to the function arrangement unit 83 of the installation apparatus 100. To do.

  The function placement unit 83 of the installation apparatus 100 determines the function definition file 31S and the module 34 transferred from the server 300 and the module determination of the installation apparatus 100 in addition to the core program that provides basic functions (no update is required). The function definition file 31I and the module 34 corresponding to the function definition file name and module name determined by the unit 42I are arranged in the auxiliary storage device 13 (S170).

  Then, the billing amount calculation unit 85I of the installation apparatus 100 sends the total billing amount of each installed function to the billing amount transfer unit 86, and the billing amount transfer unit 86 selects each selected function, quantity, and their The total charge amount is transmitted to the charge amount calculation unit 85S of the server 300 (S180). The billing amount calculation unit 85S of the server 300 totals and accumulates this for each user, and uses it as data for billing (S190).

  In the installation system 200 of the present embodiment, the user can pay only for the function he / she wants to use while confirming the billing amount, and it is not necessary to install an unnecessary function.

  This charge amount is displayed in the same way when creating a function as in the second embodiment, so that the user can add a new function while considering the cost effectiveness while looking at the function to be added, its charge amount, and the total. Can be created.

  When the new function described in the second embodiment is created and when the new function described in the third embodiment is incorporated, the user can be charged.

  The new function creation unit in FIG. 8 determines the charge amount of the newly created new function and registers it in the function definition file 31I. The method for determining the charge amount is determined in advance, and is, for example, the total charge for each function included in the new function. When the number of functions included in the new function is large, a value obtained by multiplying the number by a coefficient and reducing the total may be used as the charge amount for the new function. In any case, billing amount information is registered in the function definition file 31I of the new function in the same manner as the original function definition file.

  The created function definition file 31I of the new function may be stored by the installation apparatus 100. However, if the created function definition file 31I of the new function is transmitted to the server 300, the server 300 and the installation function 1001 are installed. The device 100 can share the function definition file 31I of the new function. That is, thereafter, the function definition file 31I of the new function can be transmitted from the server 300 to another installation apparatus 100 and displayed as a list.

  Such a usage method is a case where a new function already created as described in the third embodiment is taken in. Billing amount information is registered in the function definition file 31I of the new function in the same way as the original function definition files 31I and 31S, so that the installation can be performed by referring to the external function definition file 49 after importing from the outside. Charges can be made according to the functions performed.

  Therefore, the installation system 200 of this embodiment can charge the user in the same manner even when a new function is created in the installation apparatus 100. Similarly, when a new function is taken in, the user can be charged similarly.

It is a figure which illustrates the outline of an installation apparatus typically. It is an example of the hardware block diagram of an installation apparatus. It is an example of the schematic block diagram of the software structure of an installation apparatus. It is an example of the figure which illustrates the means for the installation apparatus 100 to install a module typically using a block diagram. It is a figure which shows an example of a function definition file. It is a figure which shows an example of the function list which a function list display part produces | generates. It is a flowchart figure which shows the procedure in which the installation apparatus 100 installs a module. (Example 2) which is an example of the figure which illustrates the means for an installation apparatus to install a module typically using a block diagram. It is a figure which shows an example of a function list. It is an example of a function creation screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the function definition file corresponding to a series of functions selected by the function preparation part. It is an example of the setting value registration screen which a function preparation part displays on a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows another example of the new function definition file in which the setting value was described. FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure for installing a module by an installation apparatus (second embodiment). (Example 3) which is an example of the figure which illustrates the means for an installation apparatus to install a module typically using a block diagram. It is a figure which shows an example of a function list. It is a figure which shows an example of a function taking-in screen. FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure for installing a module by an installation apparatus (third embodiment). It is an example of the schematic block diagram of the installation system which has a server and an installation apparatus. (Example 4) which is an example of the figure which illustrates the means for an installation system to install a module typically using a block diagram. FIG. 10 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for installing a module by an installation system (Example 4); (Example 5) which is an example of the figure which illustrates the means for an installation system to install a module typically using a block diagram. FIG. 10 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for installing a module by an installation system (Example 5); (Example 6) which is an example of the figure which illustrates the means for an installation system to install a module typically using a block diagram. FIG. 10 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for installing a module by an installation system (Example 6); It is a figure which shows an example of the function list which a function list display part produces | generates.

Explanation of symbols

11 Control unit
12 Main memory 13 Auxiliary memory 14 Network I / F
15 External storage device I / F
16 Desorption device I / F
17 Display I / F
18 Input device I / F
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 Storage medium 22 Desorption apparatus 23 Display apparatus 24 Input apparatus 25 Installation program 30 Application 31 Function definition file 32 UI plug-in 33 Application process 34 Module 35 Core program 41 Function list display part 42, 42S, 42I Module determination part 43 Module transfer part 46 Function creation section 48 Function import section

Claims (21)

In an installation apparatus that provides a basic function provided in advance and an extended function corresponding to a module program transferred from a module storage unit,
Definition file storage means for storing a definition file in which execution information for executing a module program is defined for each of the extension functions;
Display means for displaying a list of the extended functions based on the definition file;
Module determination means for referring to the definition file storage means and determining a module program corresponding to the extended function selected from the list by an input means such as a pointing device;
Module transfer means for transferring the module program determined by the module determination means from the module storage means;
The installation apparatus characterized by having. From the plurality of extended functions displayed on the display means, the function creation means for reading the definition files respectively corresponding to the plurality of extended functions selected by the input means from the definition file storage means,
The function creating means creates the definition file of one extension function corresponding to the selected plurality of extension functions using the execution information of each module program defined in the plurality of read definition files. ,
The installation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The function creating means determines whether or not each of the module programs corresponding to the plurality of extended functions selected by the input means has a set value,
If the setting value is included, a setting value registration screen for inputting a setting value is displayed on the display unit, and the setting value input by the input unit is described in the definition file of the created extended function.
The installation apparatus according to claim 2. The function creation means divides a display area of the display device, displays the extended function selected in the first display area, and displays the extended function selected in the second display area in time series,
The installation apparatus according to claim 2. The function creation means stores the definition file of the created new extended function in the definition file storage means,
The module determining means refers to the definition file storage means and includes the newly created extended function in a list and displays it on the display means.
The installation apparatus according to claim 2. The module transfer means transfers the module program stored in the module storage means to a predetermined folder of the installation device.
The installation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Having function capturing means for communicating with an external device and receiving the definition file from the external device;
The function capturing means stores the received definition file in the definition file storage means;
The installation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The module determining means refers to the definition file storage means, includes the extended function received from the external device, and displays it on the display means.
The installation apparatus according to claim 7. In an installation system having a terminal having a basic function and a server storing a module program for adding an extended function to the basic function of the terminal,
The server
First module storage means for storing a module program;
First definition file storage means for storing a first definition file in which execution information for executing a module program is defined for each extended function;
Referring to the first definition file storage means, a first module determining means for determining a module program corresponding to the extended function requested from the terminal;
Module transmitting means for transmitting the module program read from the first module storage means,
The terminal
Display means for requesting the server to request a list of extended functions defined in the first definition file and displaying the received list of extended functions;
A function adding means for transmitting the extended function selected by the input means such as a pointing device from the displayed list of extended functions to the server and installing the module program received from the server;
An installation system characterized by that. The terminal
Second module storage means for storing the module program;
Second definition file storage means for storing a second definition file in which execution information for executing the module program is defined for each extended function;
A second module determining unit that refers to the second definition file storage unit and determines a module program corresponding to the extended function;
The function adding means includes
Among the extended functions selected by the input means such as a pointing device from the displayed list of extended functions, the server transmits the extended function of the server to the server, receives the module program corresponding to the extended function from the server,
The module program corresponding to the extended function of the terminal determined by the second module determining unit is read from the second module storage unit and installed respectively.
The installation system according to claim 9. The first definition file includes billing amount information for an extended function,
The server
Charging amount calculation means for calculating charging amount after calculation of the terminal by adding charging amount information of one or more extended functions requested from the terminal;
A billing amount database for storing post-calculation billing amount information for each terminal,
The installation system according to claim 9. The first definition file and the second definition file have billing amount information for an extended function,
The terminal
The post-calculation charge amount of the terminal is calculated by adding the charge information of the extended function requested to the server and the charge amount of the extension function corresponding to the module program stored in the second module storage means. Charging amount calculation means,
The server
A billing amount database that stores post-calculation billing amount information of the terminal transmitted from the terminal for each terminal;
The installation system according to claim 10. The display means includes
Displaying the calculated charge amount calculated by the charge amount calculation means;
The installation system according to claim 11 or 12, The display means includes
A billing amount for each extension function registered in the first definition file or the second definition file is displayed together with the list of extension functions displayed.
The installation system according to claim 11 or 12, From the plurality of extended functions displayed on the display means, the function creation means for reading the definition files respectively corresponding to the plurality of extended functions selected by the input means from the definition file storage means,
The function creating means creates the definition file of one extension function corresponding to the selected plurality of extension functions using the execution information of each module program defined in the plurality of read definition files. With
From the charge amount information of each module defined in the plurality of read definition files, the charge amount of one extension function corresponding to the selected plurality of extension functions is calculated and registered in the created definition file.
The installation system according to claim 11, wherein the installation system is one of the following. The terminal
Receiving the newly created definition file from the server, storing the received definition file in the second definition file storage means;
The billing amount calculating means includes
Using the charge amount information registered in the newly created definition file, calculate the calculated charge amount of the terminal;
The installation system according to claim 12. In an information processing apparatus installation method that provides a basic function provided in advance and an extended function by a corresponding module program transferred from a module storage means,
For each extended function, referring to a definition file storage unit that stores a definition file in which execution information for executing the module program is defined, and displaying a list of extended functions on the display unit;
Module decision means
Determining a module program corresponding to the extended function selected by an input means such as a pointing device from a list;
A module transfer means transferring the module program determined by the module determination means from the module storage means;
An installation method characterized by comprising: In an installation method for installing a module program for adding an extended function to a terminal having a basic function from a server,
Requesting the terminal to read a list of extended functions from the first definition file in which execution information for executing a module program is defined, and displaying the received list of extended functions;
Transmitting the extension function selected by the input means such as a pointing device from the displayed list of extension functions to the server;
The server refers to a first definition file storage unit that stores a first definition file for each extended function, and determines a module program corresponding to the extended function requested from the terminal;
The server transmitting the module program read from the first module storage means storing the module program;
The terminal receiving and installing the module program transmitted by the server;
An installation method characterized by comprising: To a computer providing a basic function provided in advance and an extended function by a corresponding module program transferred from the module storage means,
For each extended function, referring to a definition file storage unit that stores a definition file in which execution information for executing the module program is defined, and displaying a list of extended functions on the display unit;
Determining a module program corresponding to the extended function selected by an input means such as a pointing device from a list;
Transferring the module program determined by the module determining means from the module storage means;
A program characterized by having executed. To a computer that adds an extended function by sending a module program to a terminal with basic functions,
Transmitting a list of extended functions when requested by the terminal to read a list of extended functions from a first definition file in which execution information for executing a module program is defined;
Receiving an extension selected by the user from the terminal;
Determining a module program corresponding to the extended function requested by the terminal with reference to the first definition file storage means for each extended function;
Transmitting the module program read from the first module storage means storing the module program;
A program characterized by having executed.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 19 or 20.

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