JP2011126134A - Information processing apparatus, server, list displaying method, list displaying supporting method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a list displaying technique enabling to easily grasp all the trial programs installed, and decrease its management cost. <P>SOLUTION: A client 100 forms trial version comprehensive information by using trial version information related to a trial of a trial version application installed and use information showing use condition of the trial version application, and transmits it to a component server 500. The component server 500 forms use condition judging information showing the result of judgement on the use condition of the trial version application on every trial version application by using the trial version comprehensive information, and transmits it to the client 100. The client 100 displays a list image showing a list of the trial version application and the result of judgement to the use condition on every trial version application by using the use condition judging information and the trial version comprehensive information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a server, a list display method, a list display support method, and a program.

  Conventionally, an information processing apparatus connected to a network can download a trial version program, which is a trial program, via the network. The trial program is, for example, a program in which a part of the function is limited or a use expiration date is provided. In particular, in information processing apparatuses such as image processing apparatuses, there is a growing need for downloading a trial version of a program via a network. Under such circumstances, a technique for managing a trial version program downloaded via a network has been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for flexibly controlling the trial time of a trial version function program stored in an image processing apparatus.

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, the administrator has no way of knowing what trial version program is installed in the image processing apparatus, and grasps all trial version programs installed in the image processing apparatus. It was difficult. For this reason, there was a problem that the management cost of the administrator is high.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and can easily grasp all installed trial programs and reduce the management cost thereof. Information processing apparatus, server, list display method, list display The purpose is to provide a support method and program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is an information processing apparatus, first storage means for storing a trial program for trial use, and installation for installing the trial program so as to be executable Means for receiving operation input from a user, second storage means for storing trial setting information set for trial use of the trial program installed by the installation means, and installation by the installation means Measuring means for measuring the usage status of the trial program that has been measured for each program, third storage means for storing usage information indicating the usage status measured by the measuring means for each trial program, and the second storage The trial setting information stored in the means and the usage information stored in the third storage means Information generating means for generating trial program comprehensive information indicating the trial setting information and the trial status for each trial program, transmitting means for transmitting the trial program comprehensive information to a server device, and the trial use In response to the program comprehensive information, using the reception status determination information received from the server device for receiving usage status determination information indicating the determination result for the usage status of the trial program for each trial program, using the usage status determination information And a display control means for displaying on the display means a list screen showing a list of the trial programs installed by the installation means and a determination result for the usage status for each trial program.

  In addition, the present invention is a server, and trial program comprehensive information indicating trial setting information set for trial use of a trial program for trial installed in an information processing apparatus, and usage status of the trial program Receiving means from the information processing apparatus, using the trial program comprehensive information, a judging means for judging the usage status of the trial program, and a usage status judgment showing the judgment result of the judging means for each trial program It is characterized by comprising information generating means for generating information and transmitting means for transmitting the usage status determination information to the information processing apparatus.

  The present invention is also a list display method executed by an information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus installs a first storage means for storing a trial program for trial use and the trial program so as to be executable. Installation means; input receiving means for accepting operation input from a user; second storage means for storing trial setting information set for trial use of the trial program installed by the installation means; measurement means; A storage control unit, a third storage unit, an information generation unit, a transmission unit, a reception unit, and a display control unit, wherein the measurement unit displays the usage status of the trial program installed by the installation unit; A measurement step for measuring each program, and the storage control means uses the usage measured in the measurement step. A storage control step of storing usage information indicating a situation in the third storage unit for each trial program; the trial setting information stored in the second storage unit; and the third storage unit. Information generating step for generating trial program total information indicating the trial setting information and the trial status for each trial program using the usage information stored in the trial program, and the transmission means includes the trial program total A transmission step of transmitting information to the server device; and a use in which the receiving means indicates, for each trial program, a determination result for the usage status of the trial program transmitted from the server device according to the trial program general information. A reception step of receiving status determination information; and the display control means uses the usage status determination information to perform the installation. A list of the trial program installed by means, characterized in that it comprises a display control step of displaying on display means a list screen indicating the determination result for the usage of each of the trial program.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a list display support method executed by a server including a receiving unit, a determining unit, an information generating unit, and a transmitting unit, wherein the receiving unit is installed in an information processing apparatus. Receiving the trial setting information set for the trial of the trial program for use and the trial program general information indicating the usage status of the trial program from the information processing apparatus, and the determination means includes the trial A determination step of determining the usage status of the trial program using program comprehensive information; and an information generation step of generating usage status determination information in which the information generation means indicates a determination result of the determination means for each trial program. The transmission means includes a transmission step of transmitting the usage status determination information to the information processing apparatus.

  Moreover, this invention is a program for making a computer perform said method.

  According to the present invention, all installed trial programs can be easily grasped, and the management cost can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a trial version list display system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the client 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the client 100. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration for executing a process unique to the present embodiment in the trial version application management service 131. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating trial version information. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the first usage information. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the second usage information. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a list screen showing a list of trial version applications 172. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating trial version comprehensive information. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating trial version notification information. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the component server 500. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating trial version management information. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating trial version similarity information. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating message information for the administrator. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure of trial version list display processing. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the process in step S14 of FIG.

  Exemplary embodiments of an information processing apparatus, a server, a list display method, a list display support method, and a program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a trial version list display system according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the trial version list display system includes a client 100 and a component server 500, which are connected via a network 80. The client 100 is an information processing apparatus in which a trial program is installed. Here, it is assumed that the client 100 is a multifunction machine that realizes a copy function, a scanner function, a printer function, and a FAX function. Although only one client 100 is shown in the figure, a plurality of clients 100 may exist. The component server 500 communicates with the client 100 to determine the usage status of the trial version program installed in the client 100. The network 80 is, for example, a local area network (LAN), an intranet, Ethernet (registered trademark), or the Internet.

  Here, the hardware configuration of the client 100 as a multifunction peripheral will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the client 100 has a configuration in which the controller 10 and an engine unit (Engine) 60 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) bus. The controller 10 is a controller that controls control and drawing of the entire client 100, communication via the network 80, and operation input from the operation panel 106. The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter that outputs an image, a 1-drum color plotter, a 4-drum color plotter, a scanner or a fax unit that inputs an image. The engine unit 60 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

  The controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge (NB) 13, a system memory (MEM-P) 12, a south bridge (SB) 14, a local memory (MEM-C) 17, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 16 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 103, and the north bridge (NB) 13 and the ASIC 16 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 15.

  The CPU 11 controls the entire client 100, has a chip set including the NB 13, the MEM-P 12, and the SB 14, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 13 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 11 to the MEM-P 12, SB 14, and AGP 15, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 12, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a drawing memory for printers, etc., and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12b. Consists of. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a program / data storage memory, and the RAM 12b is a writable / readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, or the like.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 14 is connected to the NB 13 via a PCI bus, and a communication I / F 105 is connected to the PCI bus. The communication I / F 105 controls communication with an external device such as the component server 500 via the network 80.

  The ASIC 16 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP 15, the PCI bus, the HDD 103, and the MEM-C 17. The ASIC 16 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 16, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 17, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that rotate image data using hardware logic. (Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus. The ASIC 16 is connected with an FCU (Facile Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical Engineers 50) interface via the PCI bus. An operation panel 106 is directly connected to the ASIC 16.

  The MEM-C 17 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 103 stores image data, programs, font data, forms, and various other information. It is a storage for accumulating.

  The AGP 15 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card that has been proposed to speed up graphics processing, and speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 12 with high throughput. .

  Next, the software configuration of the client 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The black and white laser printer (B & W LP) 101 and the color laser printer (Color LP) 102 shown in FIG. 2 are part of the engine unit 60 shown in FIG. A memory such as a scanner or a facsimile, a MEM-P12, a MEM-C17, or the like, which is a part of the engine unit 60. The client 100 includes a platform 120 and a software group 110 including an application 130.

  The application 130 includes a printer application 111 that is a printer application having a page description language (PDL), PCL, and postscript (PS), a copy application 112 that is a copy application, and a fax application 113 that is a facsimile application. WEB for a scanner application 114 as a scanner application, a network file application 115 as a network file application, a process inspection application 116 as a process inspection application, and an information processing apparatus such as a PC connected to the Internet. It has a WEB application 117 that operates as a server (http server) and displays various screens on a WEB browser that operates on the information processing apparatus. Further, the application 130 includes a trial version application 172 which is a trial program. Although only one trial version application 172 is shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of trial version applications 172 may exist. Each trial version application 17 is assigned a name (referred to as an application name) and an application ID, and has an expiration date. The application ID and application name are identification information for identifying the trial version application 17. The expiration date is trial setting information set for trial use of the trial version application 17. The trial version application 172 is managed by a trial version application management service 131 described later.

  The platform 120 interprets a processing request from the application 130 and generates a hardware resource acquisition request, and a system resource that manages one or a plurality of hardware resources and arbitrates the acquisition request from the control service. A manager (SRM) 123 and a general-purpose OS 121 are included.

  The control service is formed of a plurality of service modules, and includes an SCS (system control service) 122, an ECS (engine control service) 124, an MCS (memory control service) 125, an OCS (operation panel control service) 126, and an FCS. (Fax control service) 127, NCS (network control service) 128, NRS (new remote service) 129, and trial version application management service 131. The platform 120 has an application program interface (API) that can receive a processing request from the application 130 by a predefined function.

  The general-purpose OS 121 is a general-purpose operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark), and executes the software of the platform 120 and the application 130 in parallel as processes.

  The SRM 123 controls the system and manages resources together with the SCS 122. The SRM123 process uses hardware resources such as engines such as a scanner unit and printer unit, memory, HDD file, and host I / O (Centro I / F, network I / F, IEEE 1394 I / F, RS232C I / F, etc.). Arbitration is performed according to the request from the upper layer to be used, and execution control is performed.

  Specifically, the SRM 123 determines whether the requested hardware resource is available (whether it is not used by another request), and if it is available, the requested hardware resource is used. Tell the upper layer that it is possible. In addition, the SRM 123 performs use scheduling of hardware resources in response to a request from an upper layer, and directly executes the request contents (for example, paper conveyance and image forming operation by the printer engine, memory allocation, file generation, etc.). .

  The process of the SCS 122 performs application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, resource management, interrupt application control, and the like.

  The process of the ECS 124 controls the engine of other hardware resources 104 including a black and white laser printer (B & W LP) 101, a color laser printer (Color LP) 102, a scanner, a facsimile, and the like.

  The process of the MCS 125 performs acquisition and release of an image memory, use of a hard disk device (HDD) 103, compression and expansion of image data, and the like.

  The process of the OCS 126 controls the operation panel 106 serving as information transmission means between the operator (user) and the main body control. The OCS 126 acquires a key press (or touch operation) from the operation panel 106 as a key event, transmits a key event function corresponding to the acquired key to the SCS 122, and a request from the application 130 or the control service. A drawing function for drawing and outputting various screens to the operation panel 106, other functions for controlling the operation panel 106, and the like are composed of OCS library parts registered in advance. The OCS library is mounted by being linked to each module of the application 130 and the control service. Note that all of the OCS 126 may be configured to operate as a process, or all of the OCS 126 may be configured as an OCS library.

  The FCS 127 process includes facsimile transmission / reception using PSTN / ISDN network from each application layer of the system controller, registration / quotation of various facsimile data managed by BKM (backup SRAM), facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, and fusion transmission / reception. Provides an API to do.

  The NCS 128 process is a process for providing a service that can be commonly used for applications that require network I / O. Data received from the network 80 side by each protocol is distributed to each application, and the application Mediation when transmitting data to the network 80 side.

  The process of the NRS 129 has a function related to device remote management via the network 80 and a scheduler function such as data conversion when data is transmitted / received via the network 80.

  The process of the trial version application management service 131 manages trial version information about the trial version application 172 and usage information about the use of the trial version application 172, communicates with the component server 500, and displays a list of trial version applications 172 on the operation panel. Control to be displayed on 106 is performed. Details of the trial version application management service 131 will be described later.

  Each process of the application 130 and each process of the control service realize user services related to image forming processing such as copying, printers, scanners, and facsimiles while performing inter-process communication by calling functions, sending return values thereof, and sending and receiving messages. is doing.

  As described above, the client 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of applications 130 and a plurality of control services, all of which operate as processes. In each of these processes, one or a plurality of threads are generated and parallel execution is performed in units of threads. The control service provides a common service to the application 130. For this reason, a large number of these processes perform a parallel operation and a parallel operation of threads to perform inter-process communication with each other. User services related to image forming processing such as copying, printers, scanners, and facsimiles are provided.

  Further, in the client 100 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of application 130 processes and a plurality of control service processes are operating. However, the application 130 and the control service process each have a single configuration. Is also possible. Each application 130 can be added or deleted for each application. That is, as described above, the trial version application 172 can be installed and can be uninstalled. The trial version application 172 is downloaded from an application server that stores the trial version application 172 via the network 80, for example, and various settings are made and installed in the client 100. Further, the trial version application 172 is deleted from the client 100 and uninstalled in accordance with, for example, a user operation input via the operation panel 106. Such installation and uninstallation services may be included separately in the control service, or may be realized by cooperation of all or part of the control service.

  Next, details of the trial version application management service 131 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration for executing a process unique to the present embodiment in the trial version application management service 131. As shown in the figure, the trial version application management service 131 includes a screen display control unit 301, a display screen management unit 302, a trial version information related information generation unit 303, a trial version information management unit 304, and usage information. And a management unit 305. The trial version application management service 131 cooperates with the OCS 126 that controls the operation panel 106, the NCS 128 that controls the communication I / F 105, and the MCS 125 that controls the use of the HDD 103 through processes realized by these functional configurations. Control trial version information regarding trial use of the trial version application 172 and usage information indicating the usage status of the trial version application 172, control the communication with the component server 500, and display the list of trial version applications 172 on the operation panel 106 Do.

  The trial version information management unit 304 manages trial version information regarding trial use of all trial version applications 172 installed in the client 100. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating trial version information. As illustrated in the figure, the trial version information indicates the application name given to the trial version application 172 and the expiration date of the trial version application 172. In the figure, trial version information of three applications is illustrated as the trial version application 172. When the trial version application 172 is installed on the client 100, the trial version information management unit 304 generates trial version information of the trial version application 172, and cooperates with the MCS 125 to store the trial version information in the HDD 103. Let When the trial version application 172 is uninstalled from the client 100, the trial version information management unit 304 deletes the trial version information of the trial version application 172 from the HDD 103 in cooperation with the MCS 125. Also, the trial version information management unit 304 passes the trial version information to the trial version information related information generation unit 303 in response to a request from a trial version information related information generation unit 303 described later.

  The usage information management unit 305 measures the usage status of all trial version applications 172 installed in the client 100 and manages usage information indicating the usage status. There are two types of usage information managed here. These are first usage information and second usage information. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the first usage information. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the second usage information. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first usage information includes the application name of the trial version application 172, the number of uses per day that the trial version application 172 is used, and the trial version application 172 as the usage status. Information indicating the total number of uses. In the figure, usage information of four applications is illustrated as the trial version application 172. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the second usage information includes the application name of the trial version application 172, the number of times the trial version application 172 has been used for each user, and the total number of times the trial version application 172 has been used. This is information indicating the number of times of use. When the trial version application 172 is installed on the client 100, the usage information management unit 305 generates first usage information and second usage information of the trial version application 172, and cooperates with the MCS 125 to generate the usage information. Is stored in the HDD 103. Each time the trial version application 172 is executed, the usage information management unit 305 increments the number of times of use per day for each user and increments the total number of times of use, in cooperation with the MCS 125. The second usage information of the trial version application 172 is updated, and the number of times of use per day for all the users is calculated, and the total number of times of use by all the users is incremented. The first usage information of the version application 172 is updated.

  For example, the usage information management unit 305 determines whether to use the trial version application 172 for each user as follows. When logging in to the client 100, the user ID and the user name of the user are input via the operation panel 106, and the operation information management is performed when there is an operation input instructing the execution of the trial version application 172 via the operation panel 106. The unit 305 determines that the user corresponding to the user ID or user name input at the time of login has used the trial version application 172. When the user ID is used, user information in which the user ID is associated with the user name is stored in advance, and the user name may be identified using this user information. Further, when the trial version application 172 is uninstalled from the client 100, the usage information management unit 305 cooperates with the MCS 125, and the trial version information management unit 304 cooperates with the first usage information and the first usage information of the trial version application 172. 2 Delete usage information from the HDD 103. The usage information management unit 305 passes the first usage information and the second usage information to the trial version information related information generation unit 303 in response to a request from a trial version information related information generation unit 303 described later. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first usage information and the second usage information, they may be simply referred to as usage information.

  The screen display control unit 301 displays a screen on the operation panel 106 in response to a user operation input via the operation panel 106. Then, the screen display control unit 301 requests the display screen management unit 302 to determine whether or not there is a wait on the screen displayed on the operation panel 106. “Waiting for the screen” means, for example, a state in which no operation input from the user is continued for a predetermined time or longer on the screen. Further, the screen display control unit 301 uses the trial version notification information passed from the display screen management unit 302 described below to generate a list screen showing a list of trial version applications 172 and cooperates with the OCS 126. The list screen is displayed on the operation panel 106. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a list screen showing a list of trial version applications 172. Details of the list screen will be described later.

  The display screen management unit 302 manages the screen displayed on the operation panel 106 in cooperation with the OCS 126 and monitors user operation input using the operation panel 106. Specifically, in response to a request from the screen display control unit 301, the display screen management unit 302 determines whether or not there is no user operation input on the screen displayed on the operation panel 106 for a predetermined time or more. Determine whether. If the determination result is affirmative, the display screen management unit 302 requests the trial version information related information generation unit 303 to generate trial version comprehensive information, which will be described later, assuming that the screen is waiting. In addition, the display screen management unit 302 passes trial version notification information passed from a trial version information related information generation unit 303, which will be described later, to the screen display control unit 301 and screen display control of the list screen of the trial version application 172. Request to the unit 301.

  In response to a request from the display screen management unit 302, the trial version information related information generation unit 303 requests and acquires the trial version information from the trial version information management unit 304 and uses the usage information as the usage information management unit 305. Request this to get this. The trial version information related information generation unit 303 integrates the trial version information and usage information for each application, generates trial version general information, and cooperates with the NCS 128 to include the trial version general information. A usage status determination request for requesting determination of the usage status of the trial version application 172 is transmitted to the component server 500. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating trial version comprehensive information. As shown in the figure, the trial version total information includes the expiration date shown by the trial version information exemplified in FIG. 5 and the daily usage indicated by the first usage information exemplified in FIG. 6 for each application. It shows the number of uses and the total number of uses. Further, the trial version comprehensive information indicates the number of times of use per day and the total number of uses for each user indicated by the second use information for the printer trial version. Also, the trial version information related information generation unit 303 cooperates with the NCS 128 to receive a usage status determination notification transmitted from a component server 500 described later in response to a usage status determination request, and is included in the usage status determination notification. The message information for the right holder and the trial version general information are integrated to generate trial version notification information and pass it to the display screen management unit 302. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating trial version notification information. As shown in the figure, the trial version notification information indicates, for each application, trial version general information exemplified in FIG. 9 and later-described message information for an administrator.

  Next, the configuration of the component server 500 will be described. First, the hardware configuration of the component server 500 will be described. The component server 500 includes a control unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire apparatus, a storage unit such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores various data and various programs, and various types. It is equipped with an auxiliary storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or CD (Compact Disk) drive device that stores data and various programs, and a bus that connects them, resulting in a hardware configuration using a normal computer. ing. The CPU has a clocking function that clocks the current date and time. The component server 500 is connected to a communication I / F (interface) that controls communication with an external device such as the client 100 via the network 80 by wire or wirelessly. Various functions implemented in the component server 500 in such a hardware configuration will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the component server 500. The component server 500 includes a network unit 501, a component management unit 502, and a component information generation unit 503. The function of the network unit 501 is realized by a communication I / F. Each component of the component management unit 502 and the component information generation unit 503 is generated on a storage unit such as a RAM when the CPU program is executed.

  The network unit 501 receives the usage status determination request transmitted from the trial version information related information generation unit 303 of the client 100 via the NCS 128 and passes it to the component management unit 502. Further, the network unit 501 receives the usage status determination notification passed from the component information generation unit 503 via the component management unit 502 in response to the usage status determination request, via the NCS 128 of the client 100, as a trial version information related information generation unit. 303.

  The component management unit 502 stores trial version management information related to the trial version application 172 for all trial version applications 172 that can be provided as a trial program. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating trial version management information. As illustrated in the figure, the trial version management information indicates the application ID assigned to the trial version application 172, the application name, and the application name of a similar trial version application 172 for each application. When the usage status determination request is passed from the network unit 501, the component management unit 502 includes trial version general information included in the usage status determination request and trial version management information regarding all trial version applications 172. A usage frequency determination request for requesting determination of the usage frequency of the application 172 is passed to the component information generation unit 503. In addition, when the component management unit 502 receives a usage frequency determination notification delivered from the component information generation unit 503 described below, the component management unit 502 passes this notification to the network unit 501 as a usage status determination notification in response to the usage status determination request.

  When the usage frequency determination request is passed from the component management unit 502, the component information generation unit 503 determines the usage frequency of the trial version application 172 for each application using the trial version general information included in the usage frequency determination request. Then, a message indicating the determination result is generated for each application. In addition, the component information generation unit 503 refers to the similar trial version application 172 indicated by the trial version general information, and generates trial version similarity information indicating a list of similar trial version applications 172. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating trial version similarity information. The trial version similar information shown in the figure is similar to the trial version application information 172 shown in the trial version general information shown in FIG. 9 as compared to the trial version management information shown in FIG. The application IDs and application names of the toner save version printer trial version, high speed printer trial version, eco printer trial version, and vivid printer trial version shown as the version application 172 are shown. Then, the component information generation unit 503 includes a management message including a message indicating the use frequency determination result, and trial version similar information of the trial version application 172 whose use frequency is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value and whose expiration date is within a predetermined period. Message information for users.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating message information for the administrator. In the example shown in the figure, the message information for the administrator is similar for messages according to the frequency of use for each application, and for the printer trial version with a total usage count of 21 or more and a usage period of one week or less. As the trial version application 172, a toner save version printer trial version, a high-speed printer trial version, an eco printer trial version, and a vivid printer trial version are shown. In addition, regarding the printer trial version, a message according to the frequency of use indicates that the use frequency is very high, and a message that prompts the user to install a regular version program or a similar trial version application 172. A regular version of a program is a program that is authorized for use. In addition, for the combined trial version of the application that has a total usage count of 10 or less and the expiration date is one week or less, a message indicating that the usage frequency is low and a message prompting the uninstallation thereof It is shown. If there is no trial version application 172 whose usage frequency is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value and the expiration date is within the predetermined period, or if there is no trial version application 172 similar to the trial version application 172, it is for the administrator. The message information does not include trial version similar information. The component information generation unit 503 passes the usage frequency determination notification including the message information for the administrator to the component management unit 502.

  Next, a procedure of trial version list display processing performed by the trial version list display system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The OCS 126 of the client 100 receives a user operation input via the operation panel 106, and the screen display control unit 301 displays a screen on the operation panel 106 according to the operation input (step S1). With the screen displayed on the operation panel 106 in this way, the screen display control unit 301 requests the display screen management unit 302 to determine whether or not the screen is waiting (step S2). In response to a request from the screen display control unit 301, the display screen management unit 302 determines whether or not a state in which there is no user operation input on the screen displayed on the operation panel 106 continues for a predetermined time or longer ( Step S3). Here, assuming that the screen is waiting, the display screen management unit 302 requests the trial version information related information generation unit 303 to generate trial version general information (step S4). The trial version information related information generation unit 303 requests the trial version information illustrated in FIG. 5 from the trial version information management unit 304 in response to a request from the display screen management unit 302 (step S5), and the trial version information. Is obtained from the trial version information management unit 304 (step S6). Further, the trial version information related information generation unit 303 requests the usage information exemplified in FIGS. 6 and 7 from the usage information management unit 305 (step S7), and acquires the usage information from the usage information management unit 305 ( Step S8). Then, the trial version information related information generation unit 303 integrates the trial version information and the usage information for each application, generates the trial version comprehensive information illustrated in FIG. 9, includes the trial version general information, A usage status determination request for requesting determination of the usage status of the version application 172 is passed to the NCS 128 (step S9). The NCS 128 transmits a usage status determination request to the component server 500 (step S10).

  The network unit 501 of the component server 500 receives the usage status determination request transmitted from the client 100 and passes it to the component management unit 502 (step S11). When a usage status determination request is passed from the network unit 501, the component management unit 502 includes trial version general information included in the usage status determination request and trial version management information regarding all trial version applications 172. A usage frequency determination request for determining the usage frequency of the application 172 is passed to the component information generation unit 503 (step S12). When the usage frequency determination request is passed from the component management unit 502, the component information generation unit 503 sends the usage frequency determination request to each trial version application 172 indicated by the trial version general information included in the usage frequency determination request. Referring to the similar trial version application 172 indicated by the trial version management information included in the trial version, the trial version similarity information indicating the list of similar trial version applications 172 illustrated in FIG. 13 is generated (step S13). Further, the component information generation unit 503 determines the usage frequency of the trial version application 172 for each application using the trial version general information, and shows the determination result for each application as illustrated in FIG. At the same time, message information for an administrator including trial version similar information of an application whose usage frequency is equal to or higher than a predetermined value and whose usage period is within a predetermined period is generated (step S14).

  Here, the detailed procedure of the process of step S14 is demonstrated using FIG. The component information generation unit 503 of the component server 500 refers to the total use count indicated by the trial version general information for each application of the trial version application 172 (step S40), and the total use count is 21 times or more. It is judged whether it is 11 times or more and 20 times or less, or 10 times or less (step S41). If the total number of use is 21 times or more, the process proceeds to step S42, and if it is 11 times or more and 20 times or less, the process proceeds to step S43, and if it is 10 times or less, the process proceeds to step S44. In step S42, the component information generation unit 503 generates a message “usage frequency is very high”, and then proceeds to step S45. In step S43, the component information generation unit 503 generates a message “frequency of use is high”, and then proceeds to step S45. In step S44, the component information generation unit 503 generates a message “use frequency is low”, and then proceeds to step S47.

  In step S45, the component information generation unit 503 refers to the expiration date indicated by the trial version general information and determines whether or not the current date and time has reached one week before the expiration date. For example, if the current date and time is August 29, 2009, the expiration date for the printer trial version indicated by the trial version general information illustrated in FIG. 9 is September 3, 2009. That's a week ago. As described above, when the current date and time has reached one week before the expiration date (step S45: YES), the component information generation unit 503 adds a regular version program or a similar trial version to the message generated in step S42 or S43. Add a message prompting you to install the program, for example, "Do you want to install a regular version? Do you want to install a similar trial version?" In addition, the component information generation unit 503 uses trial version similarity information indicating a list of similar trial version applications 172 and trial version general information for applications whose usage frequency is 21 times or more and whose usage period is within one week. The manager-specific message information including the number of times of use per day and the total number of times of use indicated by the user, the message generated in step S42 or S43, and the message added to the message is generated (step S46). When the current date / time has not reached one week before the expiration date (step S45: NO), the component information generation unit 503 generates message information for the administrator including the message generated in step S42 or S43.

  In step S47, the component information generation unit 503 refers to the expiration date indicated by the trial version general information and determines whether or not the current date and time has reached one week before the expiration date. When the current date and time has reached one week before the expiration date (step S45: YES), the trial version application 172 has a total usage count of 10 or less and a usage expiration date of one week or less. In this case, the component information generation unit 503 adds a message prompting the uninstallation of the trial version application 172, for example, a message “Do you want to uninstall?” To the message generated in step S44, and includes the message Message information for the user is generated (step S48). If the current date / time has not reached one week before the expiration date (step S47: NO), the component information generation unit 503 updates the message generated in step S44 to a message “not yet used”. Message information for the administrator including the message is generated (step S49).

  Returning to the description of FIG. After step S14, the component information generation unit 503 passes a usage frequency determination notification including message information for the administrator to the component management unit 502 (step S15). When the component management unit 502 receives the usage frequency determination notification passed from the component information generation unit 503 in response to the usage status determination request, the component management unit 502 passes this to the network unit 501 as a usage status determination notification in response to the usage status determination request ( Step S16). In response to the usage status determination request, the network unit 501 transmits the usage status determination notification passed from the component information generation unit 503 via the component management unit 502 to the NCS 128 of the client 100 (step S17).

  Upon receiving the usage status determination notification, the NCS 128 of the client 100 passes this to the trial version information related information generation unit 303 (step S18). When the usage status determination notification is passed from the NCS 128, the trial version information related information generation unit 303 integrates the message information for the administrator included in the usage status determination notification and the trial version general information as illustrated in FIG. The trial version notification information to be generated is generated (step S19), and is passed to the display screen management unit 302 (step S20). The trial version notification information passed from the trial version information related information generation unit 303 is passed to the screen display control unit 301, and the screen display control unit 301 is requested to display the list screen of the trial version application 172 (step S21). The screen display control unit 301 uses the trial version notification information passed from the display screen management unit 302 to generate a list screen showing a list of trial version applications 172 as illustrated in FIG. 8 (step S22). ), In cooperation with the OCS 126, the list screen is displayed on the operation panel 106 (step S23). The list screen shown in the figure shows the trial version general information exemplified in FIG. 9 and the message information for the administrator exemplified in FIG. 14 generated in step S14. In this list screen, for all the trial version applications 172 installed in the client 100, the expiration date, the number of times of use per day, the total number of times of use, and a message for the use frequency are displayed for each application. . Furthermore, for applications whose total usage frequency is 10 times or more and whose expiration date is within one week, a message prompting to install a regular version or a similar trial version application 172, and a similar trial A list of version applications 172 is displayed.

  By displaying such a list screen on the operation panel 106, the administrator of the client 100 can easily grasp the expiration date and frequency of use of all the trial version applications 172 installed in the client 100. Can do. In addition, the administrator can easily grasp a similar trial version application 172 that is an alternative to the trial version application 172 that is frequently used and whose expiration date is approaching. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the labor of the administrator for managing the trial version application 172, and to reduce the management cost.

  In addition, for example, by displaying a list screen at a place where waiting occurs on the screen such as the home screen, copying, FAX transmission / reception, scanning, activation, etc., the processing executed in the client 100 is not hindered. In addition, the administrator can be urged to manage the trial version application 172.

  In addition, as the frequency of use of the trial version application 172, the administrator can provide information necessary for managing the trial version application 172 by presenting the number of times of use per day or the total number of times, or presenting them for each user. It can be easily grasped.

  Further, the component server 500 determines the usage frequency of the trial version application 172, and prompts the installation of a similar trial version application 172 or the uninstallation of the trial version application 172 according to the usage frequency. By providing, it is possible to more effectively reduce the labor of the administrator.

[Modification]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined. Further, various modifications as exemplified below are possible.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, various programs executed by the client 100 may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The various programs are recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) in a file in an installable or executable format. The computer program product may be provided. The same applies to various programs executed by the component server 500.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the client 100 that is the information processing apparatus has been described as an example applied to a multifunction machine having a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The present invention can be applied to any image processing apparatus such as a printer, a scanner apparatus, and a facsimile apparatus. Further, the client 100 may be applied to a personal computer, a portable terminal, or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the trial version information related information generation unit 303 may generate the first usage information illustrated in FIG. 6 using the second usage information illustrated in FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, the list screen of the trial version application 172 is displayed when the screen displayed on the operation panel 106 is waiting. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when an operation input by an administrator who requests display of a list screen is made via the operation panel 106, all or part of the list screen may be displayed on the operation panel 106.

  In the embodiment described above, the number of times of use has been dealt with as the usage status of the trial version application 172, but is not limited to this, and may be, for example, the total usage time or the distribution of the usage time zone.

11 CPU
80 Network 100 Client 103 HDD
104 Other hardware resources 105 Communication I / F
106 Operation panel 110 Software group 120 Platform 125 MCS
126 OCS
128 NCS
130 Application 131 Trial Version Application Management Service 172 Trial Version Application 301 Screen Display Control Unit 302 Display Screen Management Unit 303 Trial Version Information Related Information Generation Unit 304 Trial Version Information Management Unit 305 Usage Information Management Unit 500 Component Server 501 Network Unit 502 Component Management Part 503 Component information generation part

JP 2002-287842 A

Claims (16)

First storage means for storing a trial program for trial use;
Installation means for installing the trial program so as to be executable;
An input receiving means for receiving an operation input from the user;
Second storage means for storing trial setting information set for trial use of the trial program installed by the installation means;
Measuring means for measuring the usage status of the trial program installed by the installing means for each program;
Third storage means for storing, for each trial program, usage information indicating the usage status measured by the measuring means;
Using the trial setting information stored in the second storage unit and the usage information stored in the third storage unit, the trial setting information and the trial status indicating the trial status for each trial program Information generating means for generating program comprehensive information;
Transmitting means for transmitting the trial program general information to a server device;
Receiving means for receiving, for each trial program, usage status judgment information indicating a judgment result for the usage status of the trial program transmitted from the server device according to the trial program general information;
Display control means for displaying on the display means a list screen showing a list of the trial programs installed by the installing means and a judgment result for the usage status for each trial program using the usage status judgment information. An information processing apparatus comprising: The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measurement unit measures the number of times the trial program is executed as the usage state. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit measures the number of times of use of the trial program per day as the usage state. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measurement unit measures the number of times of use per day of the trial program for each user as the usage state. The said 2nd memory | storage means memorize | stores the said trial setting information which shows the expiration date of the said trial program for every identification information for identifying the said trial program. The information processing apparatus described in 1. The trial status determination information further indicates the identification information of a trial program similar to the trial program,
The display control means causes the display means to display the list screen showing a list of the identification information of the trial program, the determination result, and the identification information of the similar trial program. Item 6. The information processing device according to Item 5. In the screen displayed on the display means, further comprising a screen management means for monitoring operation input from the user,
The said screen management means makes the said information generation means generate | occur | produce the said information, when the operation input from a user in the said screen does not have a fixed time or more, The information generation means is characterized by the above-mentioned. Information processing device. An image input means for inputting an image;
Image processing means for performing image processing on the image;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image output unit that outputs an image using the image that has been subjected to the image processing. Receiving means for receiving from the information processing apparatus trial setting information set for trial use of the trial program for trial installed in the information processing apparatus, and trial program comprehensive information indicating the usage status of the trial program. ,
Judgment means for judging the usage status of the trial program using the trial program comprehensive information;
Information generation means for generating usage status determination information indicating the determination result of the determination means for each trial program;
A server comprising: transmission means for transmitting the usage status determination information to the information processing apparatus. Storage means for storing management information indicating a trial program similar to the trial program;
The said information generation means produces | generates the said usage condition judgment information which shows the said similar trial program while showing the said judgment result for every said trial program using the said management information. Server. The usage status is the number of times the trial program is executed in the information processing apparatus,
The determination means determines the frequency of use of the trial program according to the number of uses of the trial program, using the trial program general information,
The server according to claim 10, wherein the information generation unit generates usage status determination information indicating a first message corresponding to the frequency of use of the trial program for each trial program. The trial setting information indicates the expiration date of the trial program for each identification information for identifying the trial program,
The determination means further determines whether or not the expiration date is within a predetermined period,
The information generation means is a program that allows the use of the identification information, the first message, and regular use of the trial program whose number of uses is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value and whose expiration date is within a predetermined period. The server according to claim 11, wherein the usage status determination information indicating a second message for prompting installation of the program and the identification information of the similar trial program is generated. The information generation means prompts to uninstall the identification information, the first message, and the trial program for the trial program whose number of uses is equal to or less than a second predetermined value and whose expiration date is within a predetermined period. The server according to claim 12, wherein usage status determination information indicating the third message is generated. A list display method executed by an information processing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus includes a first storage unit that stores a trial program for trial use, an installation unit that installs the trial program in an executable manner, an input reception unit that receives an operation input from a user, and the installation unit. Second storage means for storing trial setting information set for trial use of the installed trial program, measurement means, storage control means, third storage means, information generation means, transmission means, Receiving means and display control means,
A measuring step in which the measuring means measures the usage status of the trial program installed by the installing means for each program;
A storage control step in which the storage control means stores usage information indicating the usage status measured in the measurement step in the third storage means for each trial program;
The information generation means uses the trial setting information stored in the second storage means and the usage information stored in the third storage means to determine the trial setting information and the trial status. An information generation step of generating trial program comprehensive information shown for each trial program;
The transmitting means transmits the trial program comprehensive information to a server device; and
A receiving step for receiving usage status determination information for each of the trial programs, wherein the reception means is transmitted from the server device according to the trial program general information, and indicates a determination result for the usage status of the trial program;
The display control means displays, on the display means, a list screen showing a list of the trial programs installed by the installation means and a judgment result for the usage status for each trial program using the usage status determination information. And a display control step for displaying the list. A list display support method executed by a server including a reception unit, a determination unit, an information generation unit, and a transmission unit,
From the information processing apparatus, the receiving means receives trial setting information set for trial use of a trial program for trial installed in the information processing apparatus, and trial program comprehensive information indicating the usage status of the trial program. A receiving step for receiving;
A step of determining the use state of the trial program by using the trial program comprehensive information;
An information generating step in which the information generating means generates usage status determination information indicating the determination result of the determining means for each trial program;
A list display support method comprising: a transmission step in which the transmission means transmits the usage status determination information to the information processing apparatus.   The program for making a computer perform the method of Claim 14 or 15.

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