JP2010097284A - Peripheral equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manage the number of times of installation while installing software in a computer from peripheral equipment. <P>SOLUTION: Peripheral equipment includes: a storage means; a transfer means; and a management means. The storage means stores a control software module so as to be used for controlling a function as external peripheral equipment by an information processor, and functions as an external storage device. When both a control software module of the same version as the control software module stored in the storage means and a control software module of a newer version is not installed in the information processor, the transfer means transfers the control software module stored in the storage means so as to be installed in the information processor. The management means manages the number of times of the installation of the control software module into one of the information processor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a peripheral device used by being connected to an information processing device.

  Peripheral devices such as image scanners, printers, and multifunction peripherals are widely used. As an interface for connecting to these peripheral devices, a serial interface, a parallel interface, USB, IEEE 1394, LAN, and the like are known.

Incidentally, in order to be able to use a peripheral device on a computer, it is necessary to install a device driver and application software for the peripheral device (Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-334449 A

  However, there are computers that are restricted from installing device drivers and application software. This restriction is often imposed by security measures. For example, in an operating system (OS) such as Microsoft Windows (registered trademark), only a user having administrator authority can install a device driver. Therefore, since a general user cannot install a device driver or application software, the peripheral device cannot be used. Such a situation is expected to occur frequently when using a computer outside the office.

  Conventionally, even a user having administrator authority has to install a device driver in advance before connecting the image reading apparatus. That is, conventionally, a peripheral device cannot be used without a device driver installed in the computer.

  Furthermore, the device driver is generally distributed by a CD-ROM. Therefore, the device driver cannot be installed unless this CD-ROM is prepared. For example, if the CD-ROM is lost, the device driver cannot be installed. In some cases, the device driver can be obtained via the Internet. For this reason, an environment capable of connecting to the Internet is required. In addition, it is troublesome because it is necessary to accurately grasp and input the URL of the WEB site providing the device driver and the type and name of the peripheral device.

  By the way, the number of times that the device driver and the capture application can be installed (the number of PCs) may be limited by a license agreement. This is to prevent the software from being inadvertently distributed to an unintended PC. On the other hand, when replacing an old PC with a new PC, the software may be deleted from the old PC and installed on the new PC. In this case, it can be said that the number of installable times is kept according to the contract. Such management of the number of times of installation has been extremely troublesome because it has been performed manually by an administrator. Therefore, it is desired to automatically manage whether or not the number of installations is kept as contracted.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve at least one of such problems and other problems. For example, an object of the present invention is to enable management of the number of installations while allowing software to be installed in a computer from a peripheral device. Other issues can be understood throughout the specification.

  The present invention can be applied, for example, to a peripheral device having a function as an external storage device of an information processing device and a function as an external peripheral device of the information processing device. The peripheral device includes storage means, transfer means, and management means. The storage means stores a control software module used for the information processing apparatus to control a function as an external peripheral device, and also functions as an external storage apparatus. The transfer means stores in the storage means when neither the control software module of the same version as the control software module stored in the storage means nor the control software module of a newer version is installed in the information processing apparatus. The stored control software module is transferred for installation in the information processing apparatus. The management means manages the number of times that the control software module is installed in any information processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, since the control software module can be installed from the peripheral device to the information processing device, it is not necessary to install the control software module in advance as in the prior art. Similarly, the trouble of preparing a CD-ROM storing the control software module can be saved. Thus, there is an advantage that the installation work is greatly simplified. Furthermore, since the number of installations can be managed by the management means, it is easy for the user to comply with the contract.

  An embodiment of the present invention is shown below. The individual embodiments described below will help to understand various concepts, such as the superordinate concept, intermediate concept and subordinate concept of the present invention. Further, the technical scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the claims, and is not limited by the following individual embodiments.

<Basic technical idea of the present invention>
First, basic technical ideas of the present invention will be listed.

[Viewpoint 1]
A peripheral device having a function as an external storage device of the information processing device and a function as an external peripheral device of the information processing device,
Storage means for storing a control software module used for the information processing apparatus to control the function as the external peripheral device, and providing a storage area as the external storage device;
Transfer means for transferring the control software module stored in the storage means for installation in the information processing apparatus when the control software module is not installed in the information processing apparatus;
And a management unit that manages the number of times the control software module is installed in any of the information processing apparatuses.

  When the control software module is not installed in the information processing apparatus, for example, the control software module of the same version as the control software module stored in the storage means or the control software of a newer version This is when none of the wear modules is installed in the information processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, since the control software module can be installed in the information processing apparatus from the peripheral device, it is not necessary to install the control software module in advance as in the prior art. Similarly, the trouble of preparing a CD-ROM storing the control software module can be saved. Thus, there is an advantage that the installation work is greatly simplified. Furthermore, since the number of installations can be managed by the management means, it is easy for the user to comply with the contract.

[Viewpoint 2]
A switching means for switching whether the information processing apparatus recognizes the external storage device or the external peripheral device;
The storage means stores a computer program for controlling installation of the control software module,
The computer program is a computer program that is read from the storage unit and executed by the information processing apparatus that recognizes the peripheral device as the external storage device,
Further, the computer program causes the information processing apparatus to
Whether the control software module stored in the storage means is installed in the information processing apparatus, and the version of the control software module installed in the information processing apparatus is stored in the storage means. Determination means for determining at least one of whether the version of the control software module is older than,
When the control software module stored in the storage means is not installed in the information processing apparatus, or a version of the control software module older than the control software module is installed in the information processing apparatus Writing means for reading out the control software module from the storage means and writing it into the information processing device;
When it is determined that the version of the control software module installed in the information processing apparatus is not older than the version of the control software module stored in the storage means, or the control from the storage means When the software module is written in the information processing apparatus, the computer program causes the peripheral device to be recognized as the external peripheral device by transmitting a switching command to the switching unit. The peripheral device according to aspect 1, which is characterized.

  According to the present invention, when it is determined in advance by the computer program stored in the peripheral device that an appropriate control software module does not exist in the information processing device, the control software module is installed in the information processing device. become. On the other hand, if there is already a control software module, the installation is not executed. Further, since the peripheral device is initially recognized as an external storage device (eg, a USB memory or a USB type CD drive), the computer program can be transferred to the information processing device by a simple method. If an appropriate control software module exists or if the installation is completed, the peripheral device is recognized as an external peripheral device (for example, an image scanner). Thus, the information processing apparatus can use the peripheral device as an external peripheral device while reducing the burden on the user by switching the recognition of the peripheral device.

[Viewpoint 3]
The external storage device is a CD drive, and the computer program is stored in a storage area recognized as a CD drive in the storage means. The peripheral device according to aspect 2, wherein the peripheral device is described so as to be automatically activated by inf.

  Autorun. Since inf is well known as a file for automatically starting a computer program, the present invention can be realized by a relatively simple method.

[Viewpoint 4]
The management means includes
4. The peripheral device according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, further comprising a counting unit that counts the number of times the control software module is installed in any of the information processing devices.

  According to the present invention, the installation of the control software module can be easily managed by the peripheral device counting the number of installations. Since the peripheral device can generally be connected to a plurality of information processing devices, it is desirable that the peripheral device itself manages the installation of the control software module.

[Viewpoint 5]
The counting means includes
5. The peripheral device according to aspect 4, wherein the number of times is reduced when the control software module is uninstalled from the information processing device.

  By reducing the number of installations accompanying the uninstallation of software from an old PC or the like, it becomes easier to manage the regular use of the user.

[Viewpoint 6]
At least a part of the storage area of the storage means is a nonvolatile storage area,
The computer program stores the information processing apparatus.
Count writing means for counting the number of times the control software module is installed in any one of the information processing devices and writing it in the nonvolatile storage area, and
Comparison means for comparing the number of times of installation with a predetermined number of installable times,
If the number of times of installation is less than the number of installable times, the installation of the control software module is permitted. 4. The peripheral device according to aspect 2 or 3, wherein

  According to the present invention, the installation of the control software module can be easily managed by the peripheral device counting the number of installations. Since the peripheral device can generally be connected to a plurality of information processing devices, it is desirable that the peripheral device itself manages the installation of the control software module.

[Viewpoint 7]
The control software module includes driver software and an uninstaller program,
The uninstaller removes the information processing apparatus.
7. The peripheral device according to aspect 6, wherein when the driver software is uninstalled from the information processing apparatus, the driver software functions as a frequency adjusting means that reduces the number of installations or increases the number of installable times. .

  By adjusting the number of installations and the number of installable times in accordance with the uninstallation of software from an old PC or the like, it becomes easier to manage the regular use of the user.

[Viewpoint 8]
The computer program stores the information processing apparatus.
Function as holding means for holding the unique identification information held by the peripheral device in the information processing device;
The uninstaller removes the information processing apparatus.
Determination means for determining whether the unique identification information held by the peripheral device matches the identification information held by the information processing device;
When the unique identification information held by the peripheral device matches the identification information held by the information processing device, the driver software is caused to function as a deletion unit that deletes the driver software from the information processing device. The peripheral device according to aspect 7, characterized by the above.

  In an environment where a plurality of peripheral devices are used, software installed on the PC from the first peripheral device may be deleted by the second peripheral device. Originally, the number of installations and the number of installable times managed by the first peripheral device must be adjusted, but there is a possibility that the number of installations and the number of installable times of the second peripheral device may be changed. Thus, by managing the identification information of the peripheral device and the software installation in association with each other, the number of installations by each peripheral device can be appropriately managed.

[Viewpoint 9]
The peripheral device according to any one of viewpoints 1 to 8, wherein the peripheral device is an image reading device.

  The present invention is preferably used in an image reading apparatus. This is because a peripheral device such as an image reading device may be used connected to various PCs.

  FIG. 1 is a software block diagram of a computer and a scanner device. The personal computer 100 is a host computer such as a general personal computer (PC). Here, a personal computer 100 will be described as an example of the information processing apparatus.

  In the personal computer 100, an operating system 101, a file system 201, a USB mass storage driver 202, and a USB driver 103 are installed. The operating system 101 is a so-called OS and is basic software of the personal computer 100. Here, it is assumed that the Microsoft Windows (registered trademark) operating system is employed as the OS. The file system 201 is software for storing files in a storage device such as a hard disk drive. The USB mass storage driver 202 is software for controlling mass storage such as a hard disk drive, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD-R, and a USB memory. The USB driver 103 is software for controlling a USB device connected to the USB interface. Note that these software may be a part of the OS.

  It is assumed that the connection can be switched to a device driver other than the USB mass storage driver 202 by switching the switch 220. The switch 220 may be realized by software, or may be realized by hardware using an electronic switch that can be electrically switched. Further, the switch 220 may be realized by using both software and hardware.

  The scanner device 106 is an example of a peripheral device having a function as an external storage device of the information processing device and a function as an external peripheral device of the information processing device. The scanner device 106 includes a USB scanner class interface 108, a CD drive interface 205, a USB mass storage class interface 206, a switch 221, an autorun file 207, a determination application 224, an installer 225, a capture application 231, a USB scanner driver 226, and an uninstaller 230. , An installation number counter 227, a scanner ID 228, an uninstall flag 232, and the like.

  The USB scanner class interface 108 is an interface for using the scanner device 106 as a USB connection type image reading device. The CD drive interface 205 is software for using at least a part of a memory (flash memory, EEPROM, etc.) provided in the scanner device 106 as a CD-ROM drive. The USB mass storage class interface 206 is software for using a memory as a USB mass storage via the CD drive interface 205. The switch 221 is a switch for switching the interface connected to the PC to either the USB mass storage class interface 206 or the USB scanner class interface 108. The switch 221 is an example of a switching unit that switches whether the information processing apparatus is recognized as an external storage device or an external peripheral device.

  The auto-run file 207 is, for example, Autorun. This file is automatically read when the CD-ROM is recognized by inf or the like. The autorun file 207 includes a description for designating software to be automatically started.

  The determination application 224 is a computer program that determines whether an appropriate scanner driver or capture application for the scanner device 106 is installed in the PC. The determination application 224 is an example of a computer program that controls installation of the control software module. The determination application 224 is a computer program that is read from a storage unit and executed by an information processing device that recognizes a peripheral device as an external storage device.

  The installer 225 is a computer program for installing the USB scanner driver 226 and the capture application 231 on the PC. The capture application 231 is a computer program for editing image data read by the scanner device 106 or converting the image data into a file of an arbitrary compression format. The USB scanner driver 226 is a computer program for controlling the scanner device 106 connected to the PC. The uninstaller 230 is a computer program for deleting the USB scanner driver 226 and the capture application 231 from the PC.

  The installation number counter 227 is an example of a management unit that manages the number of times that the control software module is installed in any of the information processing apparatuses. The installation number counter 227 is a counter for counting the number of times the USB scanner driver 226 and the capture application 231 are installed in the PC. The scanner ID 228 is unique identification information held by each scanner device 106. The uninstallation flag 232 is a flag that is set when the uninstallation is executed and is normally cleared.

  FIG. 2 is a software block diagram of the personal computer and the scanner device in a state where the capture application and the scanner driver are installed. The description will be simplified by giving the same reference numerals to the parts already described.

  Compared to FIG. 1, in FIG. 2, the capture application 222 and the USB scanner driver 102 are installed in the PC. The installation source information 229 is held in the hard disk drive 122 and includes identification information of the scanner device 106 in which the capture application 222 and the USB scanner driver 102 are installed. As described above, the hard disk drive 122 is an example of a holding unit that causes the information processing apparatus to hold unique identification information held by the peripheral device.

  FIG. 3 is a hardware block diagram of the personal computer and the scanner device.

  The personal computer 100 includes a CPU 121, ROM 123, RAM 124, hard disk drive 122, and USB interface 104. The personal computer 100 is connected to the scanner device 106 via the USB cable 105. In addition, a keyboard / mouse 125 and a display 126 are connected to the personal computer 100.

  When power is applied to the personal computer 100, the CPU 121 reads and activates firmware from the ROM 123 and activates the Microsoft (registered trademark) operating system 101 from the hard disk drive 122. Necessary software such as an OS is loaded into the RAM 124.

  On the other hand, the scanner device 106 includes a CPU 110, a ROM 127, a RAM 203, an image reading unit 112, a USB controller 128, and a USB interface 107, and firmware (not shown) that controls the scanner device 106 is activated from the ROM 127.

  The ROM 123 is an example of a storage unit that stores a control software module used for the information processing apparatus to control a function as an external peripheral device and provides a storage area as an external storage device. The ROM 123 is realized by combining, for example, pure read-only memory, EEPROM, SRAM, flash memory, and the like. The RAM 124 is, for example, a DRAM.

  When the operating system 101 on the personal computer 100 detects that any peripheral device is connected to the USB interface 104 via the USB cable 105, the operating system 101 accesses the class interface of the peripheral device and determines the type of the peripheral device.

  Here, the scanner device 106 includes a USB mass storage class interface 206 in order for the CPU 121 and the operating system 101 to recognize the mass storage device class. The scanner device 106 also has a USB scanner class interface 108 so that the CPU 121 and the operating system 101 can recognize it as a scanner device class. As these two class interfaces, the effective class interface is selected by switching the switch 221 in the direction of arrow B.

  On the other hand, the operating system 101 operating on the personal computer 100 supports a mass storage class USB device as a standard. That is, since the operating system 101 includes a mass storage class USB device driver (USB mass storage driver 202), it is possible to access a mass storage class USB device without installing a special driver or the like in the personal computer 100. . In addition, standard access to the mass storage class device can be executed using the operating system 101 without administrator authority.

  As described above, when the scanner device 106 is connected to the personal computer 100, the scanner device 106 is recognized as a mass storage device by the operating system 101 and can be accessed without installing a special driver or the like to the personal computer 100. Become. This is because the USB mass storage driver 202 is installed in the PC in advance, and the scanner device 106 has the USB mass storage class interface 206.

  It is assumed that the connection can be switched to a driver other than the USB mass storage driver 202 by switching the switch 220 in the personal computer 100 in the direction of arrow A. Such a switch 220 may be realized by software or hardware.

  When the scanner device 106 is connected to the personal computer 100, the operating system 101 (CPU 121) detects that some peripheral device is connected via the USB interface 104. The USB interface 104 accesses the USB interface 107 of the scanner device 106 via the USB cable 105.

  At this time, the operating system 101 issues a GET_DESCRIPTOR standard device request at the control transfer setup stage in order to determine what peripheral device is connected. Upon receiving the GET_DESCRIPTOR standard device request, the USB interface 107 of the scanner device 106 returns the requested descriptor. The descriptor is information used to express information such as device type, characteristics, and attributes, and the format of this information is defined in advance.

  In the GET_DESCRIPTOR standard device request received from the scanner device 106, the operating system 101 acquires information such as the type, characteristics, and attributes of the connected device by using the standard device descriptor, the standard configuration (configuration) descriptor, and the standard interface descriptor. To do.

  When the CPU 110 of the scanner device 106 detects access from the personal computer 100 to the USB interface 107, the CPU 110 switches the changeover switch 221 to the USB mass storage class interface 206 as an initial interface. As a result, the personal computer 100 accesses the USB mass storage class interface 206.

  When the operating system 101 recognizes that the USB mass storage class interface 206 of the scanner device 106 has been accessed, the operating system 101 switches the changeover switch 220 to connect the USB driver 103 and the USB mass storage driver 202. As a result, the USB interface 104 can access the scanner device 106 via the USB cable 105.

  The scanner device 106 is recognized as a mass storage class device by the operating system 101 as described above. Therefore, the personal computer 100 can access the scanner device 106 via the USB interface 107, the USB mass storage class interface 206, and the CD drive interface 205 of the scanner device 106 without the administrator authority of the operating system 101.

  As described above, the ROM 127 of the scanner device 106 has an installer 225 for installing the capture application 222 and the USB scanner driver 102 operating on the operating system 101, and an uninstaller 230 for uninstalling the capture application 222 and the USB scanner driver 102. A USB scanner driver 226 installed on the personal computer 100 by the installer 225, a capture application 231, an installation number counter 227 that holds the number of times the USB scanner driver 226 has been installed, and the scanner device 106 for each product at the time of product manufacture. Assigned scanner ID 228 and uninstall by uninstaller 230 An uninstall flag 232 for holding information indicating whether or not to execute the process, a determination application 224 for determining whether the USB scanner driver 102 is installed in the personal computer 100, and the scanner device 106 as a personal computer. An autorun file 207 having a description for automatically executing the determination application 224 when connected to the system 100 is stored in advance.

  The installer 225, uninstaller 230, USB scanner driver 226, capture application 231, determination application 224, and autorun file 207 on the ROM 127 can be accessed from the personal computer 100 via the CD drive interface 205.

  As described above, the operating system 101 has a function called “autorun.inf” for detecting and automatically executing a file on the data CD when the data CD is inserted into the CD drive. Accordingly, it is assumed that the autorun file 207 is accessed via the CD drive interface 205 and automatically executed by the CPU 121.

  When the CPU 110 of the scanner device 106 is connected to the personal computer 100, the data CD is not inserted into the CD drive, and immediately after that, the CPU 110 transitions to the state where the CD is inserted. The CPU 110 of the scanner device 106 transmits a signal indicating that the data CD has been inserted to the personal computer 100 via the USB interface 107. Thereby, the CPU 121 reads the autorun file 207 from the scanner device 106 recognized as an external storage device (here, a USB connection type CD ROM drive) and automatically executes it.

  Further, the personal computer 100 supports an installer 225, an uninstaller 230, a USB scanner driver 226, a capture application 231, a determination application 224, and an autorun file 207 that are stored in the scanner device 106 in the file folder of the file system 201. To form a table.

<Basic reading operation>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process from installation to execution of the control software module.

  In step S3001, the CPU 121 of the personal computer 100 detects that the scanner device 106 is connected to the USB interface 104, and switches the switch 220 to connect the USB driver 103 to the USB mass storage driver 202. This is because the CPU 121 recognizes that the scanner device 106 is a mass storage class device (CD drive). Note that it is assumed that the switch 221 is switched so that the USB mass storage class interface is enabled.

  In step S3002, since the CPU 121 recognizes the connected scanner device 106 as a CD drive, the CPU 121 adds it to the file system 201 as a CD drive. This is because the scanner device 106 has a CD drive interface 205 as a subclass of the USB mass storage class interface 206.

  In step S3003, the CPU 121 determines that the installer 225, uninstaller 230, USB scanner driver 226, capture application 231 and determination application 224 are stored in the scanner device 106 in the file folder of the file system 201 in accordance with the operating system 101. And a table corresponding to the autorun file 207 is formed. As a result, the CPU 121 can handle the installer 225, the uninstaller 230, the USB scanner driver 226, the capture application 231, the determination application 224, and the autorun file 207 as files on the CD drive.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a folder corresponding to a CD drive. A folder 304 corresponds to a CD drive, and stores the above-described installer 225, uninstaller 230, USB scanner driver 226, capture application 231, determination application 224, and autorun file 207. The user can use the keyboard / mouse 125 connected to the personal computer 100 to open the folder 304 and double-click to instruct activation of the uninstaller 230 or the like.

  In step S3003, the CPU 121 determines that the data CD has been inserted into the CD drive according to the operating system 101, and executes it with reference to the autorun file 207. A determination application 224 for determining whether or not the USB scanner driver 102 that operates on the operating system 101 for performing image reading with the scanner device 106 is already installed in the auto-run file 207 in advance by a user having administrator authority. Instructions for starting up are described.

  In step S3004, the CPU 121 activates the determination application 224 according to the autorun file 207. The auto-run file 207 is stored in a storage area recognized as a CD drive in the storage means. Therefore, the judgment application 224 is configured to store the Autorun. Stored in the storage area recognized as the CD drive in the storage unit. It is an example of the computer program described so that it might be started automatically by inf. The determination application 224 determines whether or not a control software module necessary for image reading has been installed. If not, the various applications described above are installed.

  In step S3005, the CPU 121 determines whether the USB scanner driver 102 is installed in the personal computer 100 according to the determination application 224. If installed, the process advances to step S3006. On the other hand, if it is not installed, the CPU 121 ends the process without performing image reading.

  In step S <b> 3006, the CPU 121 transmits an instruction to reconnect to the scanner device 106 via the USB scanner class interface 108 according to the determination application 224. As described above, the CPU 121 transmits a switching command to the switching unit when the control software module is installed in the information processing apparatus or when the control software module is written from the storage unit to the information processing apparatus. Thus, this is an example of a recognition control means for recognizing a peripheral device as an external peripheral device. The control software module may be the same as the control software module stored in the storage means, or may be a newer version of the control software module.

  In step S3007, when the CPU 110 of the scanner device 106 receives a USB scanner class interface switching instruction, the CPU 110 once disconnects the connection from the personal computer 100 and shifts to the connected state again.

  In step S3008, the CPU 121 determines whether an activation instruction for the capture application 222 has been input through a keyboard or a mouse. When the activation instruction of the capture application 222 is input, the process proceeds to step S3009.

  In step S3009, the CPU 121 activates the capture application 222.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed on the display when the capture application is activated. When the user interface of the capture application 222 is displayed, the user operates the keyboard / mouse 125 to execute scan settings. For example, the reading mode (monochrome in this embodiment), paper size (A4 in this embodiment), resolution (300 dpi in this embodiment), reading surface (both sides in this embodiment) is the keyboard / mouse 125. Selected using. Further, the file name (test 1 in this embodiment) of the image file for storing the read image is also input by operating the keyboard / mouse 125. Finally, the scan button 301 is clicked using the keyboard / mouse 125.

  When the scan button 301 is clicked with the keyboard / mouse 125, the process proceeds to step S3010.

  In step S3010, the capture application 222 (CPU 121) transmits scan settings from the USB scanner driver 102 to the scanner device 106 via the USB driver 103 and the USB interface 104, and further transmits a scan start command.

  When the CPU 110 of the scanner device 106 detects that the scan setting and scan start command data are received from the USB interface 107 via the USB scanner class interface 108, the CPU 110 scans the document using the image reading unit 112 according to the scan setting. Start. When scanning starts, the scanner device 106 transmits an image read by the image reading unit 112 from the USB scanner class interface 108 to the personal computer 100 via the USB interface 107.

  In step S <b> 3011, the CPU 121 determines whether reception of image data has started according to the capture application 222. When the reception of image data is started, the process proceeds to step S3012.

  In step S <b> 3012, the CPU 121 continues reception until all image data has been received.

  In step S3013, the received image data is stored in the hard disk drive 122 with the specified storage file name (test1 in this embodiment).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed on the display when the capture application is activated. The parts already described are given the same reference numerals.

  An uninstall button 302 provided on the user interface of the capture application 222 is a button for instructing to uninstall a scanner driver, a capture application, and the like. When the capture application 222 is activated, the CPU 121 determines whether the installation source information 229 managed by the USB scanner driver 102 installed in the personal computer 100 matches the scanner ID 228 held in the scanner device 106. Determine whether. Then, the CPU 121 may display the uninstall button 302 only when the two match.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (dialog) displayed when the uninstall button is pressed. When the CPU 121 detects that the uninstall button 302 has been pressed using the keyboard / mouse 125, the CPU 121 temporarily removes the scanner device 106 from the personal computer 100 in order to uninstall the USB scanner driver 102 and the capture application 222. Then, a dialog to connect to the personal computer 100 is displayed again.

  The USB scanner driver 102 (CPU 121) instructs to set the uninstall flag 232 via the USB scanner class interface 108 of the scanner device 106. Further, when the CPU 110 receives this instruction, the CPU 110 sets an uninstall flag 232. It is assumed that the uninstall flag 232 is cleared by default.

  The reason why the scanner device 106 is once removed from the personal computer 100 and is connected to the personal computer 100 again is to smoothly perform uninstallation.

<Switching to mass storage device>
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing details of the switching process to the mass storage device in the personal computer.

  In step S <b> 8001, the CPU 121 determines whether connection of any peripheral device is detected by the USB interface 104 according to the operating system 101. If any connection of peripheral devices is detected, the process proceeds to step S8002.

  In step S8002, the CPU 121 switches the switch 221 to connect the USB driver 103 to a standard peripheral device class interface (not shown).

  In step S8003, the CPU 121 issues a GET_DESCRIPTOR request according to the operating system 101. This is for acquiring information from the peripheral device in order to determine what peripheral device is connected.

  In step S8004, the CPU 121 receives the descriptor transmitted from the scanner device 106. The USB mass storage class code is specified by the device class code or the interface class code of the standard device descriptor. Thereby, the CPU 121 recognizes that the connected peripheral device is a mass storage device.

  In step S8005, the CPU 121 expands the USB mass storage driver related to the USB mass storage class code and other client drivers in the RAM 124 in order to access the USB mass storage class interface 206 of the scanner device 106. In other words, the CPU 121 switches the switch 220 in software so that the USB mass storage driver 202 is enabled. As a result, the CPU 121 can access the scanner device 106 from the USB interface 104 via the USB cable 105.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of the switching process to the mass storage device in the scanner device.

  In step S <b> 9001, the CPU 110 of the scanner device 106 determines whether it is detected that the personal computer 100 is connected via the USB interface 107. If connection with the personal computer 100 is detected, the process advances to step S9002.

  In step S9002, the CPU 110 switches the switch 221 in software to enable the USB mass storage class interface 206 as an initial interface.

  In step S9003, the CPU 110 determines whether a GET_DESCRIPTOR request has been received. If a GET_DESCRIPTOR request is received, the process proceeds to step 9004.

  In step S9004, the CPU 110 transmits the descriptor to the personal computer 100. The USB mass storage class code is designated as the device class code of the standard device descriptor returned in response to the GET_DESCRIPTOR request or the interface class code of the standard interface descriptor.

<Operation of judgment application>
11A and 11B are flowcharts illustrating an example of the operation of the determination application. It is assumed that “ScannerID0” is set in the scanner ID 228 in the scanner device 106. As the scanner ID 228, a unique ID assigned to each individual at the time of product manufacture is selected. For example, a serial number assigned to each individual (for example, 00000001, 00000002, or 00000003) may be employed.

  In step S4001, the CPU 121 determines whether the USB scanner driver 102 is installed. Whether it is installed can be determined by referring to a registry, for example. As described above, the CPU 121 functions as a determination unit that determines whether or not the control software module is installed in the information processing apparatus by the determination application. If it is determined that it is not installed (if the software block configuration of the personal computer 100 in FIG. 1), the process advances to step S4002.

  In step S4002, the CPU 121 determines whether or not a control software module such as a driver can be installed in the PC according to the contract conditions. For example, the CPU 121 inquires of the scanner device 106 about the count value (installation count) of the installation count counter 227 and the installable count determined by the contract, and determines whether the install count is less than the installable count. The installation number counter 227 is an example of a counting unit that counts the number of times that the control software module is installed in any of the information processing apparatuses. The CPU 121 is an example of a comparison unit that compares the number of times of installation with a predetermined number of installable times.

  The installation number counter 227 may count the remaining installable number of times (remaining number). In this case, the maximum number of installable times permitted in advance is set as the initial value of the installation number counter 227. The installation number counter 227 decrements the count value every time installation is executed. The CPU 121 determines whether or not the count value (remaining number) is zero. If installation is possible, the process proceeds to step S4003.

  In step S4003, CPU 121 displays an installation start message indicating that installation is possible.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the installation start message. On this message, an OK button 1201 and a cancel button 1202 for inquiring whether or not to execute the installation are arranged.

  In step S4004, the CPU 121 determines whether or not to perform installation. For example, when the CPU 121 detects that the OK button 1201 is pressed, the CPU 121 determines that the installation should be executed, and the process advances to step S4005. On the other hand, when the CPU 121 detects that the cancel button 1202 is pressed, it determines that the installation should not be executed, and ends the present process.

  In step S4005, the CPU 121 activates the installer 225.

  In step S4006, the CPU 121 reads out the capture application 222 and the USB scanner driver 102 from the scanner device 106 and installs them in the personal computer 100 according to the installer 225. The capture application 222 and the USB scanner driver 102 are written to the hard disk drive by the CPU 121, for example. Therefore, when the control software module of the same or newer version than the control software module stored in the storage means is not installed in the information processing apparatus, the CPU 121 removes the control software module from the storage means. It is an example of the writing means which reads and writes in information processing apparatus.

  The capture application 222 and the USB scanner driver 102 are read from the ROM 127 and transferred to the personal computer 100 by the CPU 110, USB controller 128, and USB interface 107. Therefore, the CPU 110, the USB controller 128, and the USB interface 107, when none of the control software modules of the same or newer version than the control software modules stored in the storage unit are installed in the information processing apparatus, It can be said that it is an example of transfer means for transferring the control software module stored in the storage means for installation in the information processing apparatus.

  Note that installation can only be performed by a user with administrator privileges. Therefore, if the user is not a user with administrator authority, a user with administrator authority needs to be prompted to execute installation.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a dialog requesting login by a user having administrator authority.

  If the CPU 121 determines that the current user does not have administrator authority, the CPU 121 displays this dialog box on the display 127. In the dialog, a user ID input unit 1301 and a password input unit 1302 are arranged. Instead of displaying a dialog requesting login by a user having administrator authority, the CPU 121 may cancel the installation operation.

  In step S4007, the CPU 121 determines whether the installation has been normally completed. If a user with administrator privileges is logged in, the installation normally ends normally.

  In step S4008, the CPU 121 increments the count value of the installation number counter 227 by one. When the remaining number is counted by the installation number counter 227, the remaining number is reduced by one. The installation number counter 227 is, for example, a file stored in a nonvolatile storage area (SRAM, EEPROM, etc.) accessible from the CPU 121. In addition, the CPU 121 is an example of a number writing unit that counts the number of times that the control software module is installed in any one of the information processing apparatuses and writes the counted number in the nonvolatile storage area.

  In step S4009, the CPU 121 sets the scanner ID 228 (“ScannerID0”) read from the scanner device 106 in the installation source information 229 managed by the USB scanner driver 102 installed in the personal computer 100.

  On the other hand, if the installation is canceled by pressing the cancel button on the installation start message (NO in S4004), if a user without administrator authority is logged in, the user with administrator authority is requested to log in. If the cancel button is selected in the dialog, or if the installation operation fails without displaying the dialog (NO in S4007), the CPU 121 proceeds to the next process without performing the installation operation.

  If the number of installations has reached the upper limit number determined by the contract (NO in S4002), the process proceeds to step S4010.

  In step S4010, the CPU 121 displays a message indicating that the capture application 222 and the USB scanner driver 102 for reading an image cannot be installed in the personal computer 100 because the number of installations has reached the upper limit. Thereafter, the CPU 121 stops the installation work and proceeds to the next processing. As described above, the CPU 121 permits the installation of the control software module if the number of times of installation is less than the installable number, and prohibits the installation of the control software module if the number of times of installation is the installable number or more. It is an example of a means.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message indicating that the number of installations has reached the upper limit.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the USB scanner driver 102 has already been installed in the personal computer 100 (YES in S4001), that is, if the software block configuration of the personal computer 100 shown in FIG. move on.

  In step S4011, the CPU 121 determines whether the uninstall flag 232 is set. The uninstall flag 232 is set by pressing an uninstall button 302 provided on the user interface of the capture application 222. If the uninstall flag 232 is set (YES in S4011), the process proceeds to step S4012.

  In step S4012, the CPU 121 compares the installation source information 229 held in the personal computer with the scanner ID 228 held in the scanner device 106, and determines whether or not they match. That is, it is determined whether or not the scanner device used when installing the driver on the PC and the scanner device about to be uninstalled are the same individual. If both are the same, the process proceeds to step S4013. As described above, the CPU 121 is an example of a determination unit that determines whether the unique identification information held by the peripheral device matches the identification information held by the information processing device.

  In step S <b> 4013, the CPU 121 displays an uninstall start message to uninstall the USB scanner driver 102 and the capture application 222 on the display.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the uninstallation start message. In the uninstallation start message, an OK button 1501 for permitting uninstallation and a cancel button 1502 for canceling are arranged.

  In step S4014, the CPU 121 determines whether or not uninstallation is permitted. When the OK button on this message is pressed, the CPU 121 recognizes that the uninstallation is permitted, and proceeds to step S4015.

  In step S4015, the CPU 121 activates the uninstaller 230.

  In step S <b> 4016, the CPU 121 uninstalls the capture application 222 and the USB scanner driver 102 according to the uninstaller 230. As a result, the capture application 222 and the USB scanner driver 102 are deleted from the hard disk drive 122. Thus, the CPU 121 deletes the driver software from the information processing device when the unique identification information held by the peripheral device matches the identification information held by the information processing device. It is an example.

  Uninstallation can only be performed by a user with administrator privileges. Therefore, when a restricted user or a general user is logged in, the CPU 121 displays a dialog requesting login by a user having administrator authority on the display.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dialog requesting login by a user having administrator authority. In order to continue the uninstallation, it is necessary to input a user ID and password with administrator authority. Note that the CPU 121 may cancel the uninstall operation without displaying the dialog.

  In step S4017, the CPU 121 determines whether or not the uninstallation has ended normally. If a user with administrator privileges is logged in, uninstallation normally ends normally. If the uninstallation is normally completed, the process proceeds to step S4018.

  In step S4018, the CPU 121 decrements the count value of the installation number counter 227 by one. Thus, the installation number counter 227 is an example of a counting unit that decrements the number of times when the control software module is uninstalled from the information processing apparatus. When the remaining number is counted by the installation number counter 227, the remaining number is increased by one. As described above, the CPU 121 is an example of a number adjusting unit that reduces the number of times of installation when the driver software is uninstalled from the information processing apparatus or increases the number of installable times (remaining number). Note that the CPU 121 may increase the number of installable times as a threshold value.

  In step S4019, the CPU 121 deletes the installation source information 229 managed by the USB scanner driver 102.

  In step S4020, the CPU 121 clears the uninstall flag 232 held in the scanner device 106, and proceeds to the next process.

  On the other hand, when the installation source information 229 and the scanner ID 228 do not match (NO in S4012), when the Cancel button on the uninstallation start message is pressed to cancel the uninstallation (NO in S4015), or the administrator If Cancel is selected in a dialog box requesting login by a user with administrator authority when an unauthorized user is not logged in, or the dialog box is not displayed, the uninstall operation has failed. If NO in step S4018, the flow advances to step S4020. That is, the uninstall flag 232 is cleared.

  If the uninstall flag 232 is not set (NO in S4011), the process proceeds to step S4021.

  The USB scanner driver 226 owned by the scanner device 106 may be updated for the purpose of improving the function. Therefore, there are a plurality of scanner devices 106 each having a different version of the USB scanner driver 226 in the market. Such a situation can also occur in a plurality of scanner devices 106 owned by one user. Therefore, since the functions of the latest driver are often improved, it is desirable to install the latest driver.

  In step S4021, the CPU 121 compares the version of the USB scanner driver 102 installed in the personal computer 100 with the version of the USB scanner driver 226 in the scanner device 106, and determines whether the former is older than the latter. judge. If the installed USB scanner driver 102 determines that the version is older than the USB scanner driver 226 in the scanner device, the process advances to step S4022. In this manner, the CPU 121 determines whether any control software module of the same or newer version than the control software module stored in the storage unit is installed in the information processing apparatus by the determination application. It will function as a determination means.

  In step S4022, the CPU 121 displays an installation start message on the display 126. Here, before displaying the installation start message, the installation counter is not checked as in S4002. The reason is that since the USB scanner driver 102 has already been installed in the personal computer, the installation counter is confirmed when the USB scanner driver 102 is installed. In other words, updating the installed driver is a work within the contract. Therefore, there is no need to check the installation number counter again.

  In step S4023, the CPU 121 determines whether update installation (so-called update) should be executed. For example, if the OK button 1201 provided in the installation start message is pressed, the CPU 121 determines that the installation should be executed. If installation is to be executed, the process proceeds to step S4024.

  In step S4024, the CPU 121 activates the installer 225.

  In step S 4025, the CPU 121 overwrites and installs the capture application 222 and the USB scanner driver 102 in the personal computer 100 according to the installer 225. At this time, since it is not a new installation, the installation number counter 227 stored in the scanner device 106 and the installation source information 229 managed by the USB scanner driver 102 installed in the personal computer 100 are not changed.

  On the other hand, when the Cancel button on the installation start message is pressed and installation is stopped (NO in S4023), the CPU 121 proceeds to the next process without performing the installation operation.

  Also, if the installed USB scanner driver 102 determines that the version is not older than the USB scanner driver 226 in the scanner (NO in S4012), the CPU 121 proceeds to the next process without performing the installation work. Move.

<Switching to scanner class device>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the switching process to the scanner class device in the personal computer. This process corresponds to step S3007 executed by the operating system 101.

  In step S8006, the CPU 121 determines whether a peripheral device (scanner device 106) is connected to the personal computer 100. If it is detected that the scanner device 106 is connected, the process advances to step S8007.

  In step S8007, the CPU 121 switches the switch 221 to enable the standard peripheral device class interface. That is, the USB mass storage driver 202 becomes invalid.

  In step S8008, the CPU 121 acquires information from the peripheral device in order to determine what peripheral device is connected. In order to acquire information from the peripheral device, for example, the CPU 121 issues a GET_DESCRIPTOR request.

  In step S8009, the CPU 121 receives the descriptor transmitted by the scanner device 106. The USB scanner class code is specified by the device class code or the interface class code of the standard device descriptor. Therefore, the CPU 121 recognizes the connected peripheral device as a USB scanner class device.

  In step S8010, the CPU 121 develops the USB scanner driver related to the USB scanner class code and other client drivers in the RAM 124. As a result, the CPU 121 switches the switch 220 in software and validates the USB scanner driver 102.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the switching process to the scanner class device in the scanner apparatus.

  In step S9005, the CPU 110 of the scanner device 106 disconnects the connection from the personal computer 100 when an instruction to switch the class interface is given. For example, the CPU 110 sets both the D + signal and the D− signal of the USB bus to 0.

  In step S9006, the CPU 110 executes reconnection to the personal computer 100 via the USB interface. For example, the CPU 110 shifts to the USB bus reset state.

  In step S9007, the CPU 110 software switches the switch 221 to enable the USB scanner class interface 108 and disable the USB mass storage class interface 206.

  In step S9008, the CPU 110 determines whether a GET_DESCRIPTOR request has been received. If it is detected that a GET_DESCRIPTOR request has been received, the process advances to step S9009.

  In step S9009, the CPU 110 transmits the descriptor to the personal computer 100 (S9009). Note that the USB scanner class code is designated as the device class code of the standard device descriptor returned to the GET_DESCRIPTOR request or the interface class code of the standard interface descriptor.

  In this embodiment, the USB scanner class code is transmitted using the device class code or the interface class code. However, the CPU 110 may send no class (0), and the CPU 121 may determine the class from the vendor ID and product ID of the standard device descriptor with reference to the definition file installed in the personal computer 100 in advance. .

  As described above, the possibility that the capture application held by the image reading apparatus itself and the device driver for the image reading apparatus are inadvertently distributed to an unintended personal computer is reduced. That is, it becomes easy to maintain the rights in the license agreement. It will no longer be necessary for the administrator to manually count how many PCs are installed as in the prior art.

  In addition, when the installed capture application and device driver for the image reading device are deleted, the number of installations is reduced or the remaining number of installations is increased. As a result, even when a personal computer that reads an image is replaced, the user's profit is hardly lost.

  In the present embodiment, the version of the USB scanner driver 102 installed in the personal computer 100 by the installer 225 and the USB scanner driver 226 held in the scanner device 106 are used as control software modules for the scanner device 106. An example of comparison has been described. However, update installation based on version comparison may also be applied to the capture application 222 installed in the personal computer 100 by the installer 225 and the capture application 231 held in the scanner device 106. The present invention also includes a case where update installation is performed for the capture application 231 without performing update installation for the USB scanner driver 102.

  In the present embodiment, the installer 225, the uninstaller 230, the USB scanner driver 226, and the capture application 231 on the ROM 127 can be regarded as files on the data CD attached to the virtual CD drive. It was. However, the configuration may not be handled as a file on the data CD. For example, the virtual CD drive may be a virtual CD-RW drive, a virtual DVD-ROM drive, a virtual hard disk drive, or the like, and automatically executes a program such as a configuration capable of executing an autorun file. Any configuration that enables execution is acceptable.

  In the present embodiment, the user interface of the capture application 222 does not have an image display function, but may have an image display function.

  In the present embodiment, the uninstallation has been described on the assumption that there is a personal computer in which the capture application 222 and the USB scanner driver 102 are installed. However, the installed personal computer may be broken before the installed capture application 222 and USB scanner driver 102 are uninstalled. It is desirable to deal with such a situation.

  FIG. 19 is a software block diagram of the computer and the scanner device. The parts already described are given the same reference numerals. Here, a method for correctly restoring the installation number counter when a personal computer fails will be described.

  According to FIG. 19, a counter recovery application 284 is added. The counter restoration application 284 is a computer program for correctly restoring the installation number counter when a personal computer breaks down.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface of the counter recovery application. For example, a person who recovers the installable remaining number permitted by the license agreement of the capture application 222 to be installed and the USB scanner driver 102 such as a manufacturer or sales representative of the scanner device 106 starts the counter recovery application 284 and installs it. The number counter 227 may be restored.

  On the user interface of the installation counter recovery application 234, the count value of the installation number counter 227 held by the scanner device 106 and the maximum installable number of times defined as product specifications are displayed. Further, an edit box 303 for inputting the count value of the installation number counter after restoration is also displayed. The CPU 121 sets the numerical value input in the edit box 303 in the installation number counter 227. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied even if the installation number counter 227 is a counter that counts the remaining installable number.

  In this embodiment, the Microsoft Windows (registered trademark) operating system has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to other operating systems such as a Mac (registered trademark) operating system and a Linux (registered trademark) operating system. Further, the present invention includes a case in which at least one of a USB scanner driver that is not installed and a capture application that is not installed is installed without performing update installation.

It is a software block diagram of a computer and a scanner apparatus. FIG. 2 is a software block diagram of a personal computer and a scanner device in a state where a capture application and a scanner driver are installed. It is a hardware block diagram about a personal computer and a scanner apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed from control software module installation to its execution. It is the figure which showed an example of the folder corresponded to CD drive. It is the figure which showed an example of the user interface displayed on a display when a capture application starts. It is the figure which showed an example of the user interface displayed on a display when a capture application starts. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface (dialog) displayed when the uninstallation button is pressed. It is the figure which showed the detail of the switching process to the mass storage device in a personal computer. It is the figure which showed the detail of the switching process to the mass storage device in a scanner apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed an example of operation | movement of a judgment application. It is the flowchart which showed an example of operation | movement of a judgment application. It is the figure which showed an example of the installation start message. It is the figure which showed an example of the dialog to the effect of requiring the login by the user with administrator authority. It is the figure which showed an example of the message which shows that the frequency | count of installation reached the upper limit. It is the figure which showed an example of the uninstallation start message It is the figure which showed an example of the dialog to the effect of requiring the login by the user with administrator authority. It is the flowchart which showed the switching process to the scanner class device in a personal computer. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of switching to a scanner class device in the scanner device. It is a software block diagram of a computer and a scanner apparatus. It is the figure which showed an example of the user interface of a counter recovery application.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Personal computer 101 Operating system 102 USB scanner driver 103 USB interface driver 104 USB interface in the personal computer 100 105 USB cable 106 Scanner 107 USB interface in the scanner device 108 USB scanner class interface 110 CPU in the scanner device 106
112 Image Reading Unit 121 CPU in Personal Computer 100
122 Hard disk in the personal computer 100 123 ROM in the personal computer 100
124 RAM in the personal computer 100
125 Keyboard / Mouse 126 Display 127 ROM in Scanner Device 106
128 USB Controller 201 File System 202 USB Mass Storage Driver 203 RAM in Scanner Device 106
205 CD drive interface 206 USB mass storage interface 207 Autorun file in scanner device 220 USB interface changeover switch 221 in personal computer 100 221 USB interface changeover switch in scanner device 106 222 Capture application in personal computer 100 224 In scanner device 106 Judgment application 225 Installer in scanner device 106 226 USB scanner driver in scanner device 106 227 USB scanner driver installation counter in scanner device 106 228 ID of scanner device 106
229 Installation source information of the USB scanner driver 230 Uninstaller in the scanner device 106 231 Capture application in the scanner device 106 232 Uninstall flag in the scanner device 234 Installation counter recovery application 301 Scan on the user interface of the capture application 222 Scan button to start 302 Uninstall button to start uninstalling the USB scanner driver 102 and the capture application 222 installed in the personal computer 100 on the user interface of the capture application 222 303 Installation after recovery on the installation counter recovery application 234 Times Folder of when it is recognized as a counter setting edit box 304 CD drive

Claims (9)

A peripheral device having a function as an external storage device of the information processing device and a function as an external peripheral device of the information processing device,
Storage means for storing a control software module used for the information processing apparatus to control the function as the external peripheral device, and providing a storage area as the external storage device;
When neither the control software module of the same version as the control software module stored in the storage means nor the control software module of a newer version is installed in the information processing apparatus, the storage means Transfer means for transferring the stored control software module for installation in the information processing apparatus;
And a management unit that manages the number of times the control software module is installed in any of the information processing apparatuses. A switching means for switching whether the information processing apparatus recognizes the external storage device or the external peripheral device;
The storage means stores a computer program for controlling installation of the control software module,
The computer program is a computer program that is read from the storage unit and executed by the information processing apparatus that recognizes the peripheral device as the external storage device,
Further, the computer program causes the information processing apparatus to
Whether the control software module stored in the storage means is installed in the information processing apparatus, and the version of the control software module installed in the information processing apparatus is stored in the storage means. Determination means for determining at least one of whether the version of the control software module is older than,
When the control software module stored in the storage means is not installed in the information processing apparatus, or a version of the control software module older than the control software module is installed in the information processing apparatus Writing means for reading out the control software module from the storage means and writing it into the information processing device;
When it is determined that the version of the control software module installed in the information processing apparatus is not older than the version of the control software module stored in the storage means, or the control from the storage means When the software module is written in the information processing apparatus, the computer program causes the peripheral device to be recognized as the external peripheral device by transmitting a switching command to the switching unit. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein   The external storage device is a CD drive, and the computer program is stored in a storage area recognized as a CD drive in the storage means. 3. The peripheral device according to claim 2, which is described so as to be automatically activated by inf. The management means includes
The peripheral device according to claim 1, further comprising a counting unit that counts the number of times the control software module is installed in any of the information processing devices. The counting means includes
The peripheral device according to claim 4, wherein the number of times is reduced when the control software module is uninstalled from the information processing device. At least a part of the storage area of the storage means is a nonvolatile storage area,
The computer program stores the information processing apparatus.
Count writing means for counting the number of times the control software module is installed in any one of the information processing devices and writing it in the nonvolatile storage area, and
Comparison means for comparing the number of times of installation with a predetermined number of installable times,
Installation restriction means for permitting installation of the control software module if the number of times of installation is less than the installable number of times, and prohibiting installation of the control software module if the number of times of installation is equal to or greater than the number of times of installation The peripheral device according to claim 2, wherein the peripheral device functions as a peripheral device. The control software module includes driver software and an uninstaller program,
The uninstaller program causes the information processing apparatus to
7. The peripheral according to claim 6, wherein when the driver software is uninstalled from the information processing apparatus, the driver software functions as a frequency adjusting unit that decreases the number of times of installation or increases the number of times of installation. apparatus. The computer program stores the information processing apparatus.
Function as holding means for holding the unique identification information held by the peripheral device in the information processing device;
The uninstaller program causes the information processing apparatus to
Determination means for determining whether the unique identification information held by the peripheral device matches the identification information held by the information processing device;
When the unique identification information held by the peripheral device matches the identification information held by the information processing device, the driver software is caused to function as a deletion unit that deletes the driver software from the information processing device. The peripheral device according to claim 7.   The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is an image reading device.

Images