JP2022116551A - Image processing system and image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology for an image processing device that incorporates a special function which is configured to be enabled or disabled by switching, the technology allowing to try this special function.SOLUTION: In a memory 12 of an MFP 1 is stored information that indicates whether an additional function which was disabled upon factory shipment is enabled or disabled. The MFP 1 starts a trial mode that allows trial of the additional function, with the additional function enabled within the effective period of the trial mode, allowing input of configuration information used in the additional function, and the MFP 1 storing inputted configuration information in the memory 12 and executing a process regarding the additional function in accordance with the configuration information stored in the memory 12. Furthermore, when the trial mode is finished, if information is stored that indicates that the additional function is disabled, the MFP 1 initializes configuration information stored in the memory 12; if information is stored that indicates that the additional function is enabled, the MFP 1 does not initialize configuration information stored in the memory 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to image processing systems and image processing apparatuses. More specifically, it relates to enabling/disabling of a special function installed in the image processing apparatus.

Some image processing devices are equipped with special functions (solutions) that have settings that can be switched between enabled and disabled. The special function is disabled when the image processing device is shipped from the factory. After that, for example, when a user who has purchased the image processing device signs a contract to use the special function with the seller of the image processing device, When the vendor of the image processing device inputs a command to enable the special function to the image processing device, processing based on the special function becomes executable. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200000, for example, discloses a technique related to an image processing apparatus equipped with such a special function.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-151700

Some users have a desire to try a particular function before signing a contract to use that particular function. For example, the image processing device vendor may enable the special function, and after the user has tried the function, the image processing device vendor may disable the special function. In this case, a trial period is set during which the special function can be used temporarily, but the handling of data input to use the special function during the trial period poses a problem. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-100001 does not disclose a technique for making a special function to be tried, and there is room for improvement.

This specification discloses a technique for trying a special function in an image processing apparatus having a special function that can be switched between enabled and disabled.

An image processing system for solving this problem is an image processing system comprising an image processing device and a server, wherein the image processing device has a special function, and the memory of the image processing device stores the Function information indicating whether to enable or disable the special function is stored, the special function is disabled at the time of shipment from the factory, and the function indicating the disablement of the special function is stored in the memory. information is stored, and the image processing apparatus converts the function information stored in the memory to the function information indicating the enablement of the special function when an instruction to enable the special function is received. enabling the special function by modifying the special function, the server receiving a request to start a trial mode that enables a trial of the special function, the start request including identification information of the image processing device; Further, when the server receives the start request, the server sets an effective period of the trial mode, and transmits period information indicating the set effective period of the trial mode to the image processing unit included in the received start request. and storing in association with the identification information of the device, outputting a start command indicating the start of the trial mode, and when the start command is input, the image processing device starts the trial mode and validates the trial mode. The special function is enabled within the period, and the image processing device is used in the special function by an operation using the user interface of the image processing device within the period when the special function is enabled. setting information can be input, the input setting information can be stored in the memory, processing related to the special function can be executed according to the setting information stored in the memory, and the The image processing device transmits a confirmation command for confirming the period of the trial mode to the server at a first timing within the effective period of the trial mode, and the confirmation command includes identification information of the image processing device. wherein, upon receiving the confirmation command from the image processing device, the server enables the trial mode based on the period information associated with the identification information of the image processing device included in the received confirmation command. determining whether or not it is within the valid period of the trial mode, responding to the image processing apparatus with status information indicating the determination result, and sending the status information indicating that the valid period of the trial mode is out of the valid period from the server; at the second timing after receiving and, when the trial mode is terminated, the image processing apparatus stores in the memory if the function information indicating that the special function is disabled is stored in the memory. If the function information indicating the validity of the special function is stored in the memory, the initialization process is not executed and the setting information is stored in the memory. It is characterized in that it is possible to continue to execute the processing related to the special function according to the setting information that is input, and furthermore, it is possible to continue to input the setting information by an operation using the user interface.

According to the image processing system disclosed in this specification, the image processing device is provided with a trial mode, and the image processing device enables a special function within a period of the trial mode, and the trial mode is enabled. The trial mode can be ended when the period is out. Therefore, the user of the image processing device can temporarily try a special function. Also, upon receiving an instruction to enable a special function, the image processing apparatus enables the special function regardless of whether it is within the trial mode period. Furthermore, the image processing apparatus initializes setting information used for special functions that are not enabled based on the termination of the trial mode. This reduces the risk of leakage of the setting information. On the other hand, if the special function is enabled when the trial mode ends, the image processing apparatus does not initialize the setting information. Since it becomes unnecessary, a user's trouble can be reduced.

A control method, a computer program, a computer-readable storage medium storing the program, and an image processing apparatus and information processing apparatus executing the program for realizing the functions of the above system are also novel and useful.

According to the technology disclosed in this specification, in an image processing apparatus equipped with a special function having a setting that can be switched between valid and invalid, a technique for trying the special function is realized.

2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the system of this embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for starting a trial mode; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a home screen; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information stored in a trial DB; FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for starting a trial mode; FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for confirming the validity period of trial mode; FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification screen outside the valid period of the trial mode; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the form of notification outside the valid period of the trial mode is changed; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification screen just before the expiration of the valid period of the trial mode; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification screen of poor connection to the Internet; FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for enabling additional functions; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a procedure of trial end processing; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing differences in three types of SP functions; 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between enabled functions and information to be initialized or erased; FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure during maintenance work within the effective period of trial mode;

A system according to an embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present embodiment is a system including a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as "MFP") and a server.

The system 100 of this embodiment includes, for example, an MFP 1 and a server 3, as shown in FIG. 1, each of which can be connected to the Internet 200. System 100 is an example of an image processing system. The MFP 1 is a device that can execute various image processing functions such as printing and scanning at the user's site. MFP 1 is an example of an image processing device. The server 3 is, for example, a device managed by the vendor of the MFP 1 and accessible via the Internet 200 from each device such as the MFP 1 .

The MFP 1 of this embodiment includes a controller 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12, as shown in FIG. The CPU 11 is an example of a computer. The MFP 1 also includes a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, an image forming section 15, and an image reading section 16. These are electrically connected to the controller 10 . Both the image forming section 15 and the image reading section 16 are examples of an image processing section.

The CPU 11 executes various processes according to programs read from the memory 12 and based on user's operations. As shown in FIG. 1, the memory 12 stores various programs and various information including a basic program 21, a plurality of function programs 22 to 24, a plurality of function switches 25 to 27, and a trial switch 28. is stored. The memory 12 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed. A buffer provided in the CPU 11 is also an example of a memory.

The user IF 13 is, for example, a touch panel, and includes hardware that displays a screen for informing the user of information and hardware that accepts user operations. Note that the user IF 13 may be a set of a display and an operation unit such as a button.

The communication IF 14 includes at least a configuration connectable to the Internet 200 and hardware for communicating with an external device such as the server 3 . The communication standard of the communication IF 14 is Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), USB, or the like. MFP 1 may include multiple communication IFs 14 that support multiple communication standards.

The image forming unit 15 includes a configuration for printing an image based on image data on a printing medium such as a sheet. The image forming method of the image forming unit 15 is, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method, and may be configured to perform color printing or to perform only monochrome printing. The image reading unit 16 includes a configuration for reading an image of a document and obtaining image data.

The MFP 1 of this embodiment can execute various functions using the image forming section 15 and the image reading section 16 by executing the basic program 21 and function programs 22 to 24 . The basic program 21 is a program that is set to be executable from the factory shipment of the MFP 1, and is a program for causing the MFP 1 to execute basic functions. The basic functions include color copy, monochrome copy, and Nin1 copy in copy processing, and color scan and monochrome scan in scan processing.

On the other hand, function programs 22-24 are programs for adding special functions to MFP1. The MFP 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a plurality of special functions that can be added, and different additional functions are added by the function programs 22-24. Function switches 25 to 27 are provided corresponding to the function programs 22 to 24, respectively, and depending on the states of the function switches 25 to 27, it is possible to set whether the additional functions by the corresponding function programs 22 to 24 are valid or invalid. remembered. For example, if the state of the function switch 25 is ON, the MFP 1 can accept an instruction to execute a function by the function program 22 and can execute the function, and if the state of the function switch 25 is OFF , MFP 1 does not accept an instruction to execute the function.

When the MFP 1 is shipped from the factory, the function switches 25 to 27 are all turned off, and all additional functions are disabled. When the MFP 1 receives an instruction to activate the functions of the function programs 22 to 24 after shipment from the factory, the MFP 1 turns on the function switches 25 to 27 so that the additional functions can be executed. By pre-installing the program of the additional function in the MFP 1 and making it possible to receive an activation instruction, it is possible to add value to the MFP 1 and simplify the procedure for adding the additional function. Further, by enabling only the functions necessary for the user using the MFP 1, it is possible to prevent the functions from becoming complicated.

In order to use the functions of the function programs 22 to 24, the user of the MFP 1 needs to make a contract with a vendor or the like for each function to be used. For example, when a user contracts with a vendor to use additional functionality, the vendor provides an activation command to activate the functionality. When the provided enable command is input to MFP 1, MFP 1 turns on the corresponding switch and becomes ready to accept an instruction to execute the function.

Additional functions that can be executed by the function programs 22-24 include, for example, secure printing, custom UI, barcode printing, and cloud storage. Secure printing is a function that does not start printing immediately upon receiving image data, but rather stores the image data temporarily in the memory 12 and starts printing after successful authentication by user operation on the user IF 13 or the like. . The custom UI is a function for changing the arrangement of soft keys and the like displayed on the user IF 13 and the display form according to the user's preference. Barcode printing is a function that creates a barcode based on specified data and prints the created barcode. The cloud storage is a function of transmitting image data obtained by reading an image of a document via the communication IF 14 and storing it in a storage area on the cloud. Although the types of function programs installed in MFP 1 at the time of factory shipment are predetermined for each model of MFP 1, additional installable functions may be provided after factory shipment.

The trial switch 28 is a switch for validating all the function programs 22 to 24 stored in the memory 12 during the trial mode period, even for the functions whose function switches 25 to 27 are turned off. . While the trial switch 28 is on, the MFP 1 is in the trial mode and can execute additional functions by the function programs 22-24. Only during the trial mode, the user can try each additional function without contracting for activation of the function programs 22-24.

The state of the trial switch 28 includes ON, unexecuted, and executed. When the MFP 1 is shipped from the factory, the trial switch 28 is not executed. The trial mode is a mode that can be performed only once for each device, and the trial switch 28 has been executed after the trial mode ends. Details of the trial switch 28 will be described later.

The server 3 of this embodiment includes a controller 30 including a CPU 31 and a memory 32, as shown in FIG. The server 3 also includes a user IF 33 and a communication IF 34 that are electrically connected to the controller 30 . Note that the controllers 10 and 30 in FIG. 1 are collective names for hardware and software used to control the MFP 1 and the server 3, and represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the MFP 1 and the server 3. Not necessarily.

The CPU 31 executes various processes according to the programs read from the memory 32 and based on the operations of the operator. As shown in FIG. 1, the memory 32 stores various programs and various data including an OS 41, a trial management program 42, and a trial database (hereinafter referred to as "trial DB") 43. there is The OS 41 is, for example, Windows (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), or Linux (registered trademark). A buffer included in the CPU 31 is also an example of a memory.

Examples of the memories 12 and 32 are not limited to the ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. built into the MFP 1 and the server 3, but may be storage media readable and writable by the CPUs 11 and 31. FIG. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. A non-transitory medium is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, an electrical signal that carries a program downloaded from a server on the Internet is a computer-readable signal medium, which is a kind of computer-readable medium, but is a non-transitory computer-readable storage. Not included in media.

The user IF 33 includes hardware that displays a screen for reporting information and hardware that accepts operations. The user IF 33 may be a combination of a display and an operation unit such as a keyboard, mouse, or trackball, or may be a touch panel having both a display function and an operation reception function.

Communication IF 34 includes hardware for communicating with an external device such as MFP 1 via Internet 200 . The communication standard of the communication IF 34 is Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or the like. The server 3 may have a plurality of communication IFs 14 corresponding to a plurality of communication standards.

The server 3 of this embodiment manages trials of additional functions in each device such as the MFP 1 by executing the trial management program 42 . Specifically, the server 3 receives a trial start request from the MFP 1 or the like, transmits a command for turning on the trial switch 28 or the like, and manages the effective period of the trial mode.

Next, a procedure of processing for trying the additional function will be described with reference to a sequence diagram. It should be noted that the following processing basically shows the processing of the CPUs 11 and 31 according to the instructions described in the program. That is, the processing such as “judgment”, “extraction”, “selection”, “calculation”, “decision”, “specification”, “acquisition”, “acceptance”, “control” in the following description is processing. Processing by each CPU also includes hardware control using API of the OS. In this specification, the description of the OS is omitted and the operation of each program will be described. That is, in the following description, the description to the effect that "the program B controls the hardware C" may refer to "the program B controls the hardware C using the API of the OS". Also, the processing of the CPUs 11 and 31 according to the instructions written in the program may be described with abbreviated words. For example, it may be described as "performed by the CPU 11". In addition, the processing of the CPUs 11 and 31 according to the instructions written in the program may be described by abbreviating the CPU, such as "performed by the program A."

Note that "acquisition" is used as a concept that does not require a request. That is, the process of receiving data without the CPU 11 or 31 requesting it is also included in the concept of "the CPU acquires data." Also, "data" in this specification is represented by a computer-readable bit string. Data having substantially the same meaning and content but different formats are treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. Further, "request" and "instruct" are concepts indicating outputting information indicating requesting or instructing to the other party. Also, information indicating a request or information indicating an instruction is simply referred to as a "request" or an "instruction."

Also, the process of judging whether or not the information A indicates the matter B by the CPUs 11 and 31 is conceptually described as "judging whether or not the information A is the matter B". I have something to do. The processing by the CPUs 11 and 31 to determine whether information A indicates matter B or matter C is referred to as "determining whether information A indicates matter B or matter C". It may be described conceptually such as "judge".

A procedure for starting the trial of the additional function in the MFP 1 will be described below with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. The user inputs a start instruction, which is an instruction to start the trial mode, through the user IF 13 of the MFP 1 (A01). Note that the user who inputs the instruction to start the trial mode at A01 in FIG. 2 or in FIG. 5 described later is not limited to the user using the MFP 1, and may be, for example, a service person or a sales person.

MFP 1 receives the input of the start instruction, accesses server 3, and transmits a trial mode start request (A02). In A02, the MFP 1 transmits the identification information and model information of its own device together with the start request.

Upon receiving the trial mode start request, server 3 sets the effective period of trial mode in MFP 1 based on the current time (A03). Note that the length of the validity period may be uniform for all devices, or may vary according to model information, the user of the device, the installation area, or the like. When the length of the effective period is determined according to the user of the device, the installation area, etc., the MFP 1 adds information necessary for determining the effective period to the start request and transmits it. Further, the server 3 may accept the specification of the start date of the trial mode as the trial mode start request, and in that case, sets the effective period based on the specified start date.

The server 3 associates the set validity period with the identification information of the device that is the target of the trial mode, and stores them in the trial DB 43 of the memory 32 (A04). An example of information stored in the trial DB 43 is shown in FIG. In the trial DB 43, for example, each piece of information such as a device ID, a model name, a trial start date, and a trial end date is stored in association with each serial trial number. A device ID is identification information that distinguishes an individual device that is the target of trial mode, such as a MAC address or serial number. The model name is information indicating the model of the device that is the target of the trial mode. The trial start date is the date when the trial mode is started, and the trial end date is the date after a predetermined valid period from the trial start date. That is, the period during which the device is in trial mode is the period from the trial start date to the trial end date. Information on the trial start date and trial end date is an example of period information.

The server 3 adds a new record to the trial DB 43 and stores the information of the MFP 1 at A04. Further, the server 3 transmits a start command, which is a command for starting the trial mode, to the MFP 1, which is the source of the start request (A05). The start command is a command including an instruction to cause MFP 1 to turn on trial switch 28 . The start command may include the identification of MFP 1, which is the device on which the trial is to be performed. Upon receiving the start command, the MFP 1 turns on the trial switch 28 (A06) and enters the trial mode. A06 is an example of start processing. As a result, as described above, the user of MFP 1 can try additional functions by function programs 22-24.

Note that the MFP 1 executes A06 when the trial switch 28 is in the unexecuted state. If the MFP 1 has already executed the trial mode, the state of the trial switch 28 is already executed, as will be described later. In that case, the MFP 1 transmits the trial end information to the server 3 without changing the state of the trial switch 28 . Processing at the end of trial in the server 3 will be described later.

When the MFP 1 is started, when the MFP 1 returns from the power saving mode, or when a state in which no operation by the user is accepted continues for a predetermined time, the MFP 1 returns, for example, to the home screen shown in FIG. A screen 50 is displayed on the user IF 13 . The home screen 50 is a screen including buttons 501 to 503 and the like for accepting selection of processing types such as copying, scanning, and FAX transmission. When the MFP 1 accepts the selection of the processing type on the home screen 50, the MFP 1 displays a setting screen for accepting detailed settings on the user IF 13 according to the selected processing type.

Before displaying the home screen 50, the MFP 1 confirms whether the trial switch 28 or the function switches 25 to 27 are turned on (A10). The additional functions added by the trial switch 28 or the function switches 25 to 27 include functions that are added to the home screen 50 and become selectable, and functions that are added to the setting screen and become selectable. Additional functions added to the home screen 50 include, for example, secure printing and a custom UI. Additional functions added to the setting screen include barcode printing and scan processing that can be selected on the setting screen for copy processing. There is a cloud save that can be selected on the setting screen.

The MFP 1 determines the display contents of the home screen 50 based on the state of each switch confirmed in A10, and displays the determined home screen 50 on the user IF 13 (A11). The MFP 1 receives the user's selection via the user IF 13 on the home screen 50 being displayed (A12). Note that the instruction of A12 is performed by a user or the like using the MFP1. Then, the MFP 1 determines the display contents of the setting screen for the process selected in A12 based on the state of each switch confirmed in A10, and displays the determined setting screen on the user IF 13 (A13).

MFP 1 selectably displays basic functions and acceptable additional functions on home screen 50 or each setting screen (A14). For example, when the trial switch 28 is turned on by A06, the MFP 1 displays all additional functions selectably. Also, even if the trial switch 28 is off, if at least one of the function switches 25 to 27 is on, the MFP 1 selectably displays the additional function corresponding to the switch that is on. The user selects a function to be executed from the selectably displayed functions and inputs an execution instruction to MFP 1 (A15). MFP 1 executes the instructed function (A16).

On the other hand, when the trial switch 28 is turned off, the MFP 1 does not display the additional functions for which the corresponding function switches 25 to 27 are turned off on the home screen 50 or each setting screen (A17). For example, if the trial switch 28 is off and all the function switches 25 to 27 are off, the MFP 1 displays only the basic functions by the basic program 21 so that they can be selected. The user cannot select a feature that is not displayed and therefore cannot use the additional feature. Note that the MFP 1 may be displayed in a non-selectable manner instead of not being displayed.

Next, another example of the trial initiation procedure will be described. In FIG. 2, an example has been described in which the MFP 1 itself receives an instruction to start trial, transmits a start request to the server 3, and receives a start command from the server 3 (A01 to A06). It is also possible to execute this procedure via another device instead of the MFP 1 itself. A procedure for starting a trial using a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") will be described below with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. The sequence diagram of FIG. 5 is a procedure executed instead of the procedures A01 to A06 of FIG.

PC 5 in FIG. 5 is a device having an application program (hereinafter referred to as “application”) for executing trial start processing, and is a device capable of communicating with both MFP 1 and server 3 . In addition, it may replace with PC5 and may be a smart phone and a tablet computer.

A user of the PC 5 activates an application on the PC 5 (B01), and inputs a start instruction, which is an instruction to execute processing for starting the trial mode, in the activated application (B02). The PC 5 sends out a search signal for searching for a device to be tried (B03). MFP 1 transmits a response signal to PC 5 in response to the search signal sent from PC 5 (B04). If there is a device other than the MFP 1 that can respond to the search signal from the PC 5, that device also transmits the response signal. The response signal includes identification information of the responding device. The PC 5 receives the response signal from the MFP 1 or the like and displays a list of all the devices that have sent the response signal (B05).

The user selects a device to execute the trial from among the listed devices (B06). The PC 5 transmits identification information indicating the selected device and a trial start request to the server 3 (B07). The information transmitted in B07 is the same information as the information transmitted in A02 in FIG. The server 3 receives the information in B07, sets a trial period (B08), associates the set trial period with the identification information of the device to be tried, and stores them in the trial DB 43 of the memory 32 (B09). B08 and B09 are the same processes as A03 and A04.

The server 3 transmits information including the start command to the PC 5, which is the device that transmitted the start request (B10). The information transmitted from the server 3 includes the device identification information transmitted from the PC 5 . The PC 5 transmits a start command to the device indicated by the identification information based on the information received from the server 3 (B12). As a result, a start command is input to MFP1. By inputting the start command, the MFP 1 turns on the trial switch 28 (B13) and enters the trial mode. B13 is the same process as A06 in FIG. 2, and is an example of the start process.

Before sending the start command to MFP 1, PC 5 may inquire of the user whether it is acceptable to send the command. Alternatively, the received start command may be stored in a USB memory or the like by the PC 5 and the MFP 1 may read the stored start command, thereby inputting the start command to the MFP 1 .

Also, the PC 5 may display the start command based on the information received from the server 3 , and the user such as the service person may input the displayed start command to the MFP 1 . For example, the start command may be a text such as a string of numbers, and the user may input the text to the MFP1 using the user IF 13 of the MFP1.

In this embodiment, identification information of the device that executes the trial mode is added to the start command transmitted from the server 3 . As a result, for example, even if the user starts the trial mode on multiple devices, it is easy to determine the target device for inputting each start command. Further, if the start command includes the identification information of the device, even if the user inputs the start command to the wrong device, MFP 1 can determine whether the start command is for its own device. For example, if the device information does not belong to the device itself, the MFP 1 notifies an error so that the user can immediately notice the mistake and redo the operation.

Next, management of the validity period of trial mode will be described. The trial mode is a mode in which each device can be used only for a predetermined valid period, and in this embodiment, the valid period of the trial mode is managed by the server 3 . The procedure of period management within the trial mode period will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

During the trial mode period, that is, when the trial switch 28 is turned on, the MFP 1 accesses the server 3 via the Internet 200 at predetermined regular timings such as once a day or every few hours. Then, a confirmation command for confirming whether or not it is within the valid period is transmitted to the server 3 (C01). C01 is an example of determination processing. The timing at which the MFP 1 transmits C01 is an example of the first timing. The confirmation command transmitted from MFP 1 includes identification information of MFP 1 .

When receiving the confirmation command, the server 3 reads the trial start date and trial end date stored in the trial DB 43 in association with the identification information included in the confirmation command, and compares the read date and time with the current date and time. , it is determined whether or not it is within the effective period of the trial mode (C02). Then, the server 3 transmits status information indicating the determination result of the determination of C02 to the MFP 1, which is the device that transmitted the confirmation command.

The server 3 of this embodiment has three types of status information as status information responding to the confirmation command, and in C02, it is determined which of the three types of status information is to be transmitted. The status information transmitted from the server 3 includes status information indicating that the valid period is still valid, status information indicating that the valid period has already expired and is outside the valid period, and status information indicating that the valid period is within the predetermined period. There is status information indicating that the validity period is about to expire.

When the server 3 determines that it is within the valid period, it transmits status information indicating that the valid period is within the valid period to the MFP 1 (C03). As long as it is within the valid period, the MFP 1 remains in the trial mode, and the user of the MFP 1 can try all the additional functions any number of times.

When the server 3 determines that the valid period has expired, the server 3 transmits to the MFP 1 status information indicating that the valid period has expired (C04). When the MFP 1 receives the status information indicating that the valid period is out of date, the MFP 1 stores the information indicating that the trial mode is out of the valid period in the memory 12 (C05). When the information indicating that the validity period has expired is stored in the memory 12, the MFP 1 notifies information indicating that the trial mode has ended when displaying the home screen 50 (see FIG. 3), for example (C06). .

FIG. 7 shows an example of notification outside the valid period. At C06, the MFP 1 displays, for example, a notification screen 51 notifying that the validity period has expired so as to cover most of the home screen 50, as shown in FIG. 7A.

Since the notification screen 51 is displayed, operations on the buttons 501 to 503 for accepting selection of the type of processing on the home screen 50 are restricted. For example, the buttons 501 to 503 may be disabled by displaying the notification screen 51 . By restricting operations to the home screen 50, it is possible to make the user reliably recognize that the effective period of the trial mode has expired. The notification in C06 may be the display of the notification screen 51, the display of a warning mark, or the notification by voice guidance.

The notification screen 51 includes, as shown in FIG. 7A, a button 511 for receiving a restart instruction and an "x" button 512 for receiving an instruction to iconize the notification. In order to use the MFP 1, the user must first operate one of these buttons 511 and 512. FIG. Note that the restart instruction is an instruction to end the trial mode.

When a restart instruction is received by operating the button 511 on the notification screen 51 (C11), the MFP 1 determines whether or not an accumulation job is stored in the memory 12 (C12). A storage job is a job including an instruction not to execute processing until an operation to the user IF 13 is accepted, or a job with a specified execution time. When the MFP 1 only receives the accumulation job and does not execute the accumulation job, the accumulation job remains stored in the memory 12 . Since the MFP 1 stores stored jobs in a volatile memory such as a RAM, the stored stored jobs are deleted when the MFP 1 is restarted.

When the MFP 1 determines that the accumulation job is stored, it notifies that the accumulation job remains (C121). For example, the MFP 1 changes the notification screen 51 displayed in C06 to a notification screen 52 that notifies that there are remaining accumulation jobs, as shown in FIG. 7B. The notification screen 52 is an example in which a print job is stored as an accumulated job. The notification screen 52 includes a button 521 for receiving an instruction to print and restart, and an instruction to restart without printing. and an accept button 522 . Then, MFP 1 waits until an instruction to button 521 or button 522 is received.

When the MFP 1 receives an instruction to execute accumulation job processing and restart by the user's operation of the button 521 (C122), the MFP 1 executes processing of all accumulation jobs stored in the memory 12 (C123). ). After C123, when receiving an instruction to restart without executing the storage job process, or when determining that the storage job is not stored, the MFP 1 terminates the trial mode.

As a procedure for ending the trial mode, the MFP 1 transmits trial end information including its own identification information to the server 3 (C13). The server 3 deletes the information of the MFP 1 stored in the trial DB 43 based on the received trial end information (C14). Also, the MFP 1 sets the trial switch 28 to "executed", and deletes the information indicating that it is outside the period stored in C05 (C15). C15 is an example of end processing. Then, the MFP 1 restarts (C16). By restarting, the change of the trial switch 28 is reflected, and the MFP 1 will not enter the trial mode again. The timing of the trial mode ending procedure by C13 to C16 is an example of the second timing.

When receiving an instruction to iconify the notification by operating the "x" button 512 on the notification screen 51 (C17), the MFP 1 iconifies the display of the notification screen 51, for example, as shown in FIG. The notification screen 513 is displayed (C18). The iconized notification is a notification with a weaker degree of notification than the notification screen 51 . An instruction to iconize the notification by operating the “x” button 512 is an instruction to switch the mode of notification.

Note that the "x" button 512 may also be displayed on the notification screen 52 when there is a storage job. to run. Further, at C18, instead of iconifying and displaying, the MFP 1 may temporarily stop displaying the notification screens 51 and 52 and display the home screen 50 that does not include the notification screens 51 and 52. FIG. By turning the notification into an icon or stopping it, restrictions on operations to the home screen 50 are lifted, and the user can operate buttons 501 to 503 on the home screen 50 to cause the MFP 1 to execute processing. . Instead of iconifying or stopping the notification, for example, the volume of the message may be decreased, the font size of the message may be decreased, or the volume of the voice message may be decreased.

Even when the notification screens 51 and 52 are iconified or stopped by C18 and the operation of the home screen 50 is accepted, the user can try each additional function because the trial mode has not ended yet. However, when the home screen 50 is displayed again without being restarted, such as after the execution of the process instructed by the user is completed, the MFP 1 displays the home screen 50 as shown in FIG. A large notification screen 51 is displayed.

On the other hand, when the server 3 determines in C02 that the validity period is about to expire, the server 3 transmits to the MFP 1 status information indicating that the valid period is about to expire (C21). When the MFP 1 receives status information indicating that the trial mode is about to end, for example, when displaying the home screen 50, the MFP 1 notifies information indicating that the trial mode is about to end (C22).

FIG. 9 shows an example of notification just before the expiration of the effective period. When displaying the home screen 50, the MFP 1 displays a notification screen 53 for notifying that the effective period is about to expire, as shown in FIG. 9, for example. On the notification screen 53, for example, a specific remaining time of the trial mode may be displayed.

The notification screen 53 includes a button 531 for receiving an instruction to terminate the trial, and an "x" button 532 for receiving an instruction to stop the notification. Note that, unlike the notification screen 51, the notification screen 53 may be displayed in a manner that does not restrict operations to the home screen 50. FIG. For example, the MFP 1 may automatically stop displaying the notification screen 53 after displaying it for a certain period of time. However, in order not to miss it, it is preferable to display it in a conspicuous manner, such as displaying it in the center of the home screen 50 or blinking it in a corner.

When MFP 1 receives an instruction to end the trial mode by operating button 531, MFP 1 executes the termination procedure in the same manner as when receiving a restart instruction outside the effective period. Specifically, the MFP 1 transmits trial end information to the server 3, and sets the trial switch 28 to completed. The server 3 updates the trial DB 43. Also in this case, when the accumulation job is stored, the MFP 1 preferably displays the notification screen 52 for notifying the accumulation job and accepts the user's instruction, as described above.

Further, when MFP 1 receives an instruction to stop notification by operating “x” button 532 on notification screen 53 , MFP 1 stops displaying notification screen 53 . When confirming the validity period next time, if the validity period is about to end again, the notification screen 53 is displayed again.

Note that when the MFP 1 is not connected to the Internet 200 , the confirmation command cannot be transmitted via C01 and the status information cannot be received from the server 3 . In this state, the MFP 1 cannot confirm the validity period. If the MFP 1 fails to receive the status information from the server 3 at the timing of transmitting the confirmation command to the server 3, it stores unknown information indicating that the effective period of the trial mode is unknown in the memory 12 (C31). Further, MFP 1 notifies information indicating that the connection to Internet 200 is defective (C32).

FIG. 10 shows an example of notification of poor connection. When displaying the home screen 50, the MFP 1 displays, for example, a notification screen 54 for notifying that the Internet 200 is not connected, as shown in FIG. The notification screen 54 includes a button 541 that accepts an instruction to terminate the trial, and an "x" button 542 that accepts an instruction to iconify or stop the notification. As with the notification screen 51 , the notification screen 54 is displayed in a manner that restricts operations to the home screen 50 . A user needs to operate one of these buttons 541 and 542 in order to use MFP1.

When MFP 1 receives an instruction to end the trial mode by operating button 541, MFP 1 executes a termination procedure. However, since it is not connected to the Internet 200, the MFP 1 should remember that the termination instruction has been received, and transmit the trial termination information to the server 3 after the connection is restored. Also in this case, when the MFP 1 stores an accumulation job, the MFP 1 displays the notification screen 52 for notifying the accumulation job and accepts the user's instruction, as described above. Further, the MFP 1 deletes the unknown information stored in C31 and sets the trial switch 28 to completed.

On the other hand, when the MFP 1 accepts an instruction to iconize or stop the notification by operating the “x” button 542 on the notification screen 54 , the MFP 1 iconifies or stops the display of the notification screen 54 . Thereby, the user can operate the home screen 50 . After that, when displaying the home screen 50, the MFP 1 displays the notification screen 54 if the unknown information stored in C31 is stored, and displays the notification screen 51 if the out-of-period information stored in C05 is stored. , respectively.

Note that when the unknown information stored in C31 is stored, the MFP 1 periodically tries to connect to the Internet 200 . In this case, the MFP 1 should attempt connection at a frequency higher than the frequency at which the confirmation command is sent to the server 3 . Then, when the connection to the Internet 200 is restored, the MFP 1 transmits the confirmation command to the server 3 regardless of the predetermined transmission timing of the confirmation command. Then, when the status information can be received from the server 3, the MFP 1 erases the unknown information and executes processing according to the type of received status information.

Note that the MFP 1 may continue to restrict the use of the trial mode when status information cannot be received from the server 3 . For example, MFP 1 may not accept an operation on "x" button 542 on notification screen 54 until connection to Internet 200 is restored. In addition, the notification screen 54 displayed at C32 is not limited to notification that the Internet 200 is not connected. You may notify that use is restricted.

Next, a procedure for activating additional functions of the MFP 1 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. When the user who uses the MFP 1 makes a contract for the activation of the additional function, the person in charge of sales, for example, uses the PC 5 to carry out the procedure for activating the additional function of the MFP 1 . The PC 5 in FIG. 11 is a device equipped with an application for enabling additional functions, and may be the same device as the PC 5 in FIG. 5 or may be a different device.

The user of PC 5 activates an application for activating the additional function on PC 5, specifies the type of additional function to be activated and the identification information of MFP 1, and inputs an activation instruction to the application of PC 5 ( D01). The PC 5 accesses the server 3 and transmits the received activation instruction information (D02). The server 3 generates an activation command based on the received activation instruction, and transmits the generated activation command to the PC 5 (D03). The activation command includes identification information of MFP1. Note that the server 3 may store the activation information in the memory 32 .

The application of PC 5 transmits the received activation command to MFP 1 (D05). As a result, an activation command is input to MFP1. MFP 1 turns on corresponding function switches 25 to 27 based on the input enable command (D06).

In the procedures D02 to D06, MFP 1 may transmit an activation instruction to server 3, and server 3 may transmit an activation command to MFP 1 in the same manner as the procedure for starting the trial mode. Also, the activation command received by the PC 5 may be input to the MFP 1 via, for example, a USB memory or the like, or may be input to the MFP 1 manually by the person in charge.

When MFP 1 receives the input of the activation command, MFP 1 determines whether it is within the trial mode period (D07). When determining that it is within the period of the trial mode, the MFP 1 determines whether or not the function switches 25 to 27 of all additional functions have been turned on by this activation (D08). When determining that all additional functions are turned on, the MFP 1 terminates the trial mode (D09). Specifically, the MFP 1 transmits trial end information to the server 3 and changes the trial switch 28 of its own device to completed. If out-of-period information or unknown information is stored, the MFP 1 also deletes the information. The server 3 deletes the information stored in the trial DB 43.

When all the additional functions are enabled, the MFP 1 ends the trial mode and does not check the validity period thereafter. Note that if there is one or more additional functions that have not been activated, the MFP 1 continues the trial mode.

As described in detail above, according to the system 100 of the present embodiment, the MFP 1 has a trial mode, and is in a mode in which all additional functions can be tried during the period of the trial mode. Therefore, the user of MFP 1 can try additional functions. Furthermore, when the MFP 1 determines that it is outside the period of the trial mode, it displays the notification screen 51 on the home screen 50, so that the user can recognize the end of the trial mode and avoids being unable to use additional functions unexpectedly. can.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the server 3 manages the validity period of the trial mode, so that the validity period can be appropriately set by preventing fraud due to changing the time setting of the MFP 1 or the like. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the server 3 determines that the validity period has expired, the notification screen 51 is displayed each time the home screen 50 is displayed. It can be expected to prompt an operation to terminate.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, all of a plurality of additional functions can be tried in the trial mode, which eliminates the need to manage the validity period of each additional function, thus reducing the period management load. Also, the availability of all the additional features allows for more trials, which is convenient for the user. Further, in this embodiment, the trial switch 28 is provided separately from the function switches 25 to 27, so that each function switch 25 to 27 can be activated independently even during the trial mode. Further, even if activation of some additional functions is instructed, the trial mode is not ended, and additional functions that have not been activated can be kept available, so that the user can easily try out a plurality of additional functions.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, MFP 1 or PC 5 transmits a start request to server 3 . If the MFP 1 itself transmits a start request and receives a start command, the trial mode can be set up in the MFP 1 without separately preparing a device in which a dedicated application for accessing the server 3 is installed. Further, if the PC 5 transmits a request to start the trial mode to the server 3 using an application, it is possible to request the start of the trial mode from one PC 5 to a plurality of devices including the MFP 1. Less labor for setup work in some cases.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the trial mode is terminated when the user's termination instruction is received on each notification screen, so the possibility of termination of the trial mode during execution of a job using the additional function can be reduced. Furthermore, if the accumulation job is stored in the memory 12, it is notified before the restart and an instruction as to whether or not to execute the accumulation job is received. can be grasped, and the trial mode can be expected to end appropriately.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the MFP 1 periodically confirms the valid period with the server 3, so the valid period of the trial mode can be strictly managed. In addition, when the valid period is about to expire, the user is notified that the valid period is about to expire, so that the user can know that the trial mode is about to expire.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the status information cannot be received from the server 3, the notification screen 54 indicating the poor connection is notified, so that the user can recognize the communication abnormality. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the notification screen 54 is displayed when the home screen 50 is displayed, it is expected that the communication abnormality will be notified frequently and that the operation for resolving the communication abnormality will be prompted. Furthermore, even if communication with the server 3 is abnormal and the valid period of the trial mode cannot be determined, the trial mode is maintained, so there is a possibility that the trial mode will end during execution of a job that uses additional functions. can be reduced. Further, when the communication with the server 3 is restored after the abnormality of the communication with the server 3 is notified, the notification on the notification screen 54 is stopped, so that the user can recognize the recovery of the communication and the annoyance caused by the notification is eliminated. .

Next, a procedure for terminating the trial mode in the MFP 1 of this embodiment will be described. First, a general procedure of trial end processing, which is processing at the end of the trial mode, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12 . The trial end process is executed by CPU 11 of MFP 1 when a restart instruction is received in a state outside the effective period. The trial end process of FIG. 12 is executed between C11 and C12 of FIG. 6, or after C12 to C123 and before C13.

As mentioned above, there are multiple additional features that can be tried by enabling trial mode, such as secure printing, custom UI, barcode printing, and cloud storage. In the trial end process, the CPU 11 sequentially performs various processes for terminating a plurality of additional functions that can be tried in the trial mode. Therefore, the CPU 11 first selects one of the additional functions (S101).

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the additional function selected in S101 is enabled (S103). When the additional function is activated within the valid period of the trial mode, the switch corresponding to the additional function among the function switches 25 to 27 is turned on as described above. Information indicated by the states of the function switches 25 to 27 is an example of function information for each type of additional function. Information indicating that the function switch is on is an example of information indicating that the function is enabled, and information indicating that the function switch is off is an example of information indicating that the function is disabled. Further, as described above, the processing (D06 in FIG. 11) in which the MFP 1 turns on the corresponding function switches 25 to 27 in response to the user's activation instruction is an example of the change processing.

When determining that the selected additional function is not activated (S103: NO), the CPU 11 initializes setting information unique to the additional function (S104). Furthermore, the CPU 11 erases data unique to the additional function (S105). S104 and S105 are an example of initialization processing.

The unique setting information is information used only for using the selected additional function, and is stored in the memory 12 in association with the additional function. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the MFP 1 receives an instruction to execute an additional function displayed in a selectable manner at A14, at A15, for example, based on the operation of the user IF 13, the additional function is executed. Accepts an instruction input for setting setting information to be used. A15 in FIG. 2 is an example of input processing. The MFP 1 stores the setting information in the non-volatile area of the memory 12 based on the received instruction, and when the additional function is executed (for example, A16 in FIG. 2), the setting information is stored corresponding to the additional function. Read and use the setting information.

Depending on the additional function, data unique to that additional function is acquired through user input or communication with an external device, stored in the memory 12, and the data is read out and used when the additional function is executed. . In other words, the unique setting information and unique data are information that is used only by the selected additional function and is not used by other functions. Details of the unique setting information and unique data will be described later.

Features that are not enabled will not be available after trial mode ends. Therefore, the unique setting information and unique data stored in the memory 12 corresponding to the function are not used thereafter. If unused information remains in the memory 12, the risk of information leakage increases. Erase data. Also, the MFP 1 reduces the load on the memory 12 by erasing the unique data.

Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the selected additional function is a function that uses setting information shared with other functions (S111). The setting information includes information shared by multiple functions. Even if the selected additional function is not enabled, if other functions that share information are enabled, the setting information will be used thereafter. When determining that there is a function for sharing information (S111: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the function of the sharing partner of the setting information is enabled (S112). Then, when it is determined that the function of the sharing partner is not valid (S112: NO), the CPU 11 initializes the shared setting information and shared data (S113). S113 is an example of initialization processing.

After S113, or if it is determined that the selected function is enabled (S103: YES), or if it is determined that there is no function for sharing information (S111: NO), or if the sharing partner is enabled (S112: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is an unselected additional function (S121). If it is determined that there is an unselected additional function (S121: YES), the process returns to S101, selects the next additional function, and performs the same processing. If it is determined that there is no unselected additional function (S121: NO), that is, if it is determined that processing for all additional functions has been completed, the CPU 11 terminates the trial end processing.

Enabled functions can be used even after the trial mode ends. For example, it is desirable that setting information received during the effective period of the trial mode continue to be available even after the trial mode ends. Also, if there is a function for sharing setting information, and if that function is effective, it is desirable that the setting information can be used continuously even after the trial mode ends. Therefore, when the selected additional function is enabled or when the function for sharing information is enabled, the CPU 11 performs the processing of S104 and S105 even if the setting information and data are stored in the memory 12. do not have. Note that if the additional function is valid, the MFP 1 can continue to accept the execution instruction of the additional function, and can continue to accept the addition or change of the setting information for the additional function.

Next, each additional function will be specifically described. First, let's talk about "cloud storage". The cloud storage function is a function for storing scan data acquired by reading a document in a specified storage destination such as the cloud. When the MFP 1 receives an instruction to use the cloud storage function within the valid period of the trial mode, the MFP 1 receives the input of the address indicating the save destination of the scan data and the authentication information for saving, and stores this information in the memory 12 . and use it with the cloud storage function.

The cloud storage function is a function that uses unique setting information and unique data. In the trial end process, if the selected additional function is the cloud storage function and the cloud storage function is not activated, the CPU 11 initializes the information indicating the storage destination in S104 or S105. Specifically, the CPU 11 performs processing such as, for example, erasing the address and authentication information, changing the address to a predetermined initial address, and the like.

Next, "custom UI" will be described. The custom UI function is a function for changing the display form of the UI screen displayed on the user IF 13 of the MFP 1 from the default display form in order to accept user operations. When the MFP 1 receives an instruction to use the custom UI function, for example, the MFP 1 acquires data for the custom UI provided by the vendor, and stores the acquired information in the memory 12 as setting information or unique data unique to the custom UI function. Remember. If custom UI data is stored in the memory 12 when the UI screen is displayed, the MFP 1 reads the data and displays the UI screen using the read data. Data specific to the custom UI function includes, for example, icon data, background image data, and character fonts displayed on the UI screen.

In the trial end process, if the selected additional function is the custom UI function and the custom UI function is not activated, the CPU 11 determines in S104 or S105 that the setting information for the custom UI stored in the memory 12 and erase various data acquired for custom UI. In addition, in the custom UI function, for example, a user's selection may be received from a plurality of types of icons. In that case, information indicating the type of icon to be used is setting information unique to the custom UI function. If the custom UI function is not activated, the CPU 11 may initialize the information indicating the icon to be used in S104 to return the icon to the initial setting.

Next, "secure print" will be described. “Secure print” is a function of accumulating and printing print jobs to which information for authentication is added. The MFP 1 of this embodiment has a first secure print function (hereinafter referred to as "first SP function") as a basic function, and a second secure print function (hereinafter referred to as "second SP function") as an additional function. ) and a third secure print function (hereinafter referred to as “third SP function”).

Note that these three types of secure print functions are mutually exclusive, and the MFP 1 enables only one of them. The second SP function and the third SP function are examples of a first exclusive special function and a second exclusive special function, and the first SP function is an example of a predetermined function valid from the time of shipment from the factory. Then, the MFP 1 can use both the second SP function and the third SP function within the effective period of the trial mode. When the trial mode is started (for example, A06 in FIG. 2), the MFP 1 stores information for enabling the second SP function in the non-volatile storage area of the memory 12, and disables the first SP function and the third SP function. do. Then, within the effective period of the trial mode, the MFP 1 accepts a switching instruction to enable either the second SP function or the third SP function by operating the user IF 13 . Then, when receiving a selection to enable one, the MFP 1 enables one and disables the other.

In processing a print job using the secure print function, the MFP 1 determines the execution condition based on the input operation to the user IF 13, and if it determines that the execution condition is satisfied, the print job is included in the accumulated print job. Printing based on image data can be executed. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the first SP function, the second SP function, and the third SP function have different execution conditions and print job accumulation locations. Note that the execution condition in FIG. 13 may be, for example, a condition that allows selection of a print job to be accepted. The MFP 1 may accept the selection of the print job after the execution conditions in FIG. 13 are satisfied, or may judge the execution conditions after accepting the selection of the print job.

A print job storage location for each secure print function will be described. Both the first SP function and the second SP function are functions of reading out a print job stored in the memory 12 of the MFP 1 and printing it. When the MFP 1 receives a print job using the first SP function or the second SP function in a valid state, it stores the print job in the memory 12 and does not print until the execution conditions are satisfied. The first SP function and the second SP function are examples of accumulation job functions. A print job stored in the memory 12 using the first SP function or the second SP function is an example of the first job.

Note that the print job of the first SP function or the second SP function may be stored in a volatile storage area of the memory 12 or may be stored in a non-volatile storage area. The MFP 1 can also accept settings for storing print jobs in an external device such as a USB memory that is locally connected to the MFP 1 . As setting information for the first SP function or the second SP function, the MFP 1 sets the storage location of the print job, for example, the setting of the save destination information indicating whether to store in the memory 12 in the main body or in the USB memory. accept. The storage destination information indicating the storage location of the print job is setting information shared by the first SP function and the second SP function.

On the other hand, the third SP function is a function of reading and printing a print job stored not in the memory 12 of the MFP 1 but in an external device connected via a network. MFP 1 can be connected to shared server 300, for example, as shown in FIG. The shared server 300 is a device different from the server 3, is a device that can be connected not only to the MFP 1, but also to other MFPs, PCs, and the like, and is a device that can store print jobs. The third SP function is an example of a server accumulation job function. A print job stored in shared server 300 is an example of a second job. Note that the print job using the third SP function is not passed directly to MFP 1 , but is passed to shared server 300 from a PC or the like connected to shared server 300 and stored in the memory of shared server 300 .

When the MFP 1 receives an instruction to enable the third SP function, the MFP 1 receives input of connection information for communication with the shared server 300 where the print job is stored and address information indicating the storage location of the print job. The information obtained is stored in the memory 12 . MFP 1 and shared server 300 may be connected via Internet 200 or via a local network. The access information of the shared server 300 including connection information and address information is information that is not used in the first SP function and the second SP function, and is an example of setting information specific to the third SP function.

Further, setting information shared by the first SP function, the second SP function, and the third SP function includes information indicating the retention period of the print job. The MFP 1 accepts setting of a storage period for a print job that is stored in a storage location other than a RAM in a memory 12 and does not satisfy execution conditions, and stores information indicating the accepted storage period in the memory 12.例文帳に追加When the MFP 1 determines that the elapsed time since the print job was stored exceeds the set retention period, the print job is deleted without being printed. The second SP function and the third SP function sharing the storage period information are an example of the first shared special function and the second shared special function.

Next, conditions for executing each secure print function will be described. Individual authentication information such as a PIN code is added to each print job by the first SP function. When authentication information is added to a print job for which a print instruction is accepted with the first SP function enabled, the MFP 1 uses the user IF 13 of the MFP 1 to accept input of the authentication information by the user. When the authentication information added to the print job matches the input authentication information, the MFP 1 determines that the input authentication information is correct and determines that the execution condition is satisfied. The authentication information is an example of the second input information, and the first SP function is an example of the accumulation job function of the second method. In the first SP function, the MFP 1 accepts input of authentication information after accepting selection of a print job, and determines that the execution condition is satisfied when the authentication information is determined to be correct.

User information indicating the user who instructed printing is added to the print job by the second SP function or the third SP function. When the second SP function or the third SP function is enabled, the MFP 1 uses the user IF 13 of the MFP 1 to accept login input by the user. The MFP 1 stores login information for login authentication, for example, a combination of a user name and a password, in a non-volatile storage area of the memory 12 , and based on the received login input and the login information stored in the memory 12 . to perform login authentication. The login input received with the second SP function enabled is an example of the first input information, and the second SP function is an example of the accumulation job function of the first method.

When the login authentication is successful, the MFP 1 determines that the received login input is proper. When the login authentication is successful with the second SP function enabled, the MFP 1 can accept a print job selection or print execution instruction to which user information indicating the login user is added, for example. Further, when the login authentication is successful with the third SP function enabled, the MFP 1, for example, communicates with the shared server 300, selects a print job to which user information indicating the logged-in user is added, and instructs readout. Acceptable. In the second SP function or the third SP function, the MFP 1 determines that the execution conditions are satisfied when the login authentication is successful and the designation of the print job is accepted.

In the trial end process, if the additional function selected in S101 is one of the secure print functions, the CPU 11 determines in S103 that both the selected secure print function and the other secure print functions are valid. Determine whether or not For example, if the selected additional function is the second SP function, the CPU 11 determines whether or not either the second SP function or the third SP function is enabled. As described above, since each secure print function is in a mutually exclusive relationship, if neither the second SP function nor the third SP function is enabled, the same as in the factory shipment state, The 1st SP feature is enabled. Then, in the processing after S104, the CPU 11 initializes information and erases data, as shown in FIG. 15, for example.

If neither the second SP function nor the third SP function is enabled when the trial end process is executed, the CPU 11 initializes the access information of the shared server 300, which is setting information unique to the third SP function, in S104. , in S105, the print job accumulated by the second SP function, which is data unique to the second SP function, is deleted. If the second SP function is not enabled and a print job using the second SP function is accumulated in the memory 12, the CPU 11 deletes the image data of the print job in S105. S105 in this case is an example of the erasing process. As described above, the MFP 1 may notify the user before deleting the print job (for example, C121 in FIG. 6) and accept the user's instruction as to whether or not to execute printing before the end. Further, when the print job to be deleted is stored in a detachable storage device such as a USB memory, the MFP 1 may not delete it.

Further, if neither the second SP function nor the third SP function is enabled when the trial end process is executed, the first SP function is enabled, so the CPU 11 shares the function with the first SP function and the second SP function. Regarding the storage destination information of the print job, which is the setting information, it is determined in S112 that the function of the sharing partner is valid, and is not initialized.

Note that if the print job storage location indicated by the storage location information is the RAM of the memory 12, the CPU 11 may initialize the storage period information. Since the retention period is not applied to print jobs stored in the RAM, it is highly likely that the information will not be used thereafter, and a predetermined period, such as one day, may be set. Further, for example, when the login information is not used for functions other than the secure print function, and neither the second SP function nor the third SP function is enabled, the CPU 11 erases the login information stored in the memory 12. Also good.

On the other hand, when the second SP function is enabled, the CPU 11 initializes the access information of the shared server 300, which is the setting information specific to the third SP function, and accumulates it with the first SP function, which is data specific to the first SP function. delete the print job. In this case, the CPU 11 does not initialize the save destination information and the save period information of the print job.

Further, when the second SP function, which is the selected additional function, is not enabled and the third SP function is enabled, the CPU 11 sets the setting information shared by the first SP function and the second SP function. The save destination information of the print job is initialized because it is determined in S112 that the function of the sharing partner is also invalid. The CPU 11 sets the save destination to a predetermined storage location, such as the RAM of the memory 12 . Furthermore, the CPU 11 deletes the print jobs accumulated by the first SP function or the second SP function.

Note that in the trial end process, CPU 11 executes the print job using the third SP function, regardless of which secure print function is enabled, even if the print job using the third SP function is stored in shared server 300. Do not erase. If the third SP function is not enabled at the end of the trial mode, the MFP 1 initializes the access information of the shared server 300 by executing the trial end process, and henceforth reads the print job from the shared server 300. I can't do it. However, the shared server 300 can be connected to devices other than the MFP 1. For example, if the third SP function is enabled in another MFP connected to the shared server 300, the third SP function of the other MFP is used. By doing so, the print job stored in the shared server 300 can be printed. Therefore, by not erasing the print job stored in the shared server 300, the problem that the image data cannot be used by other image processing apparatuses can be avoided.

Also, when switching between the second SP function and the third SP function within the effective period of the trial mode, the MFP 1 does not execute the trial end process, and even if there is information specific to the disabled function, the setting information is initialized. Do not alter or erase unique data. For example, when receiving an instruction to enable the second SP function from a state in which the third SP function is enabled within the valid period of the trial mode, the MFP 1 receives connection information with the shared server 300 used in the third SP function. and address information. Further, for example, when an instruction to enable the third SP function is received from a state in which the second SP function is enabled within the valid period of the trial mode, the MFP 1 does not delete the print job using the second SP function. Since there is a possibility that the function switching instruction will be accepted again within the effective period of the trial mode, the user's trouble of re-inputting can be saved by not erasing the information.

Next, "barcode printing" will be described. The barcode printing function is a function of generating a barcode image based on a specified number string and printing the generated barcode image. In the barcode printing function, the MFP 1 does not use any unique setting information or data, nor shared setting information or data. Even if the MFP 1 receives an instruction to use the bar code printing function within the effective period of the trial mode, the MFP 1 does not receive a setting instruction from the user and does not store the setting information in the memory 12 . If the selected additional function is a function that does not use setting information, such as a barcode printing function, the CPU 11 does not initialize the setting information or erase the data regardless of whether the function is valid.

Next, refer to the sequence diagram of FIG. 16 for processing when the state of the trial switch 28 (see FIG. 1) of the MFP 1 is changed during the effective period of the trial mode, for example, due to work by a maintenance worker. and explain. As described above, when the MFP 1 receives the start command for starting the trial mode (A05 in FIG. 2), it changes the trial switch 28 from OFF to ON (A06). At the start of the sequence diagram of FIG. 16, the trial mode is valid and the trial switch 28 is on.

Then, the MFP 1 may receive an instruction to change the state of the trial switch 28 to off by an operator's operation or the like even within the effective period of the trial mode (E01). As a result, the MFP 1 turns off the trial switch 28 (E02) even though the information indicating that the valid period has not been reached has not been received from the server 3 . The MFP 1 may, for example, accept a command to forcibly turn off the trial switch 28, or may turn off the trial switch 28 by accepting an internal hardware switch operation. Information indicating the state of the trial switch 28 is an example of trial mode information. The OFF state of the trial switch 28 is information indicating that the trial mode is disabled, and the ON state of the trial switch 28 is information indicating that the trial mode is enabled. Note that the MFP 1 may be capable of accepting an instruction to change the state of the trial switch 28 by operating the user IF 13 or receiving a command from an external device.

When restarted with the trial switch 28 off, the MFP 1 determines that the trial switch 28 is off at A05 in FIG. You will not be able to use additional functions other than the functions. However, even if the MFP 1 is restarted with the trial switch 28 turned off, if the memory 12 does not store information indicating that the trial mode is out of its effective period, the MFP 1 executes the trial end process. do not do. In other words, the MFP 1 does not initialize the setting information of the additional function and does not erase the data regarding the additional function, thereby retaining the information of the additional function in the memory 12 . The information indicating that the trial mode is out of the effective period is stored in the memory 12, for example, at C05 in FIG.

As described above, if the MFP 1 has not received information indicating that the valid period has expired from the server 3, even if the trial switch 28 is off, the MFP 1 can confirm the validity period via the Internet 200 at a predetermined regular timing. The server 3 is accessed, and a confirmation command is sent to the server 3 to confirm whether it is within the validity period (E03). E03 is the same process as C01 in FIG. The timing at which the MFP 1 transmits E03 is an example of the third timing.

The MFP 1 then receives the status information from the server 3 (E04). If it is within the effective period of the trial mode, the server 3 transmits information indicating that the period is within as the status information, as described above. Accordingly, the MFP 1 receives the status information indicating that the period is within the period at E04. In this case, E04 is the same process as C03 in FIG. When the MFP 1 receives the information indicating that the period is within the period from the server 3 and the trial switch 28 is off, the MFP 1 turns on the trial switch 28 (E05).

As a result, the MFP 1 is again in the trial mode and ready to use the additional functions. When MFP 1 receives an instruction to execute an additional function, MFP 1 can use the setting information and data stored in memory 12, and can accept changes and additions to setting information and data. Since there is a high possibility that the internal operation is not intended by the user, not initializing the setting information suppresses a decrease in convenience for the user.

For example, the MFP 1 may accept an instruction to change the state of the trial switch 28 again after the maintenance worker finishes the work. As a result, even when the trial switch 28 is turned on, the MFP 1 is again in a state where the additional functions can be used. Alternatively, MFP 1 may be able to accept an instruction to start another trial after being restarted with trial switch 28 turned off. In this case, the MFP 1 transmits a trial mode start request to the server 3 as described above (A02 in FIG. 2). Since the server 3 already stores information about the effective period of the trial mode of the MFP 1, the start command may be transmitted without setting a new period within the effective period (A05). Also in this case, the MFP 1 turns on the trial switch 28 to enter the trial mode.

As described above in detail, in the system 100 of the present embodiment, after the trial mode ends, the MFP 1 does not accept an instruction to execute an additional function that has not been enabled. configuration information is not used. In this case, even though the user no longer uses the setting information and is unaware of its existence, there is a high possibility that the setting information remains in the memory 12, and the setting information is leaked. Increased risk. Since the MFP 1 of this embodiment initializes the setting information used by the additional functions that are not enabled in the trial end process, it is possible to reduce the risk of setting information leakage. On the other hand, the MFP 1 does not initialize the setting information for additional functions that are enabled at the end of the trial mode. Therefore, the user's trouble can be reduced.

Furthermore, the MFP 1 of the present embodiment initializes the setting information used by the additional functions that are not enabled in the trial end process, so the load increase on the memory 12 can be reduced.

Furthermore, the MFP 1 of the present embodiment initializes the setting information specific to the additional functions that are not enabled in the trial end processing, and the shared setting information is initialized when the additional function of the sharing partner is enabled. is not initialized. Therefore, the setting information can be used when using the additional function of the sharing partner, and the trouble of re-inputting can be avoided. On the other hand, if the additional function of the sharing partner is not enabled, the setting information is initialized, so the risk of information leakage can be reduced.

Furthermore, when the second SP function is not enabled and a print job using the second SP function is stored in the memory 12, the MFP 1 of the present embodiment deletes the print job in the trial end process. do. A print job that uses the second SP function cannot be executed with the first or third SP function. Therefore, by deleting the print job, the risk of information leakage can be further reduced. On the other hand, when the second SP function is enabled, the MFP 1 does not delete the print job printed by the second SP function. Further, even if the third SP function is not enabled and the print job using the third SP function is stored in the shared server, the MFP 1 of the present embodiment does not delete the print job. As a result, it is possible to avoid the problem that the image data of the print job cannot be used by other image processing apparatuses.

Furthermore, when the trial switch 28 is turned off during the valid period of the trial mode due to maintenance work or the like, the MFP 1 of the present embodiment does not execute the trial termination process and does not initialize the setting information. Contrary to this, no information is lost.

It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the technique disclosed in this specification can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, an image processing apparatus is not limited to an MFP, but may be a printer, a scanner, a FAX machine, a computer sewing machine, or the like, as long as it has an image processing function and a connection function to the Internet 200 . Also, the shared server 300 and the server 3 may be the same device.

Also, the forms of the notification screens illustrated in this specification are all examples, and the arrangement of each notification screen and the words included therein are not limited to the forms shown in these drawings. For example, in the present embodiment, after the notification screen 51 is displayed, the notification screen 52 is displayed according to the presence or absence of an accumulation job. good. In addition, it is not necessary to notify the period just before the expiration of the period or to notify the poor connection. In this case, the status information transmitted from the server 3 may be information indicating only whether the validity period is within or outside the validity period.

Further, for example, in the present embodiment, the notification screens 51, 53, and 54 are displayed when the home screen 50 is displayed, but the display timing is not limited to this. For example, it may be displayed periodically, or may be displayed when an operation to the user IF 13 is received. Also, each notification screen may be displayed on the setting screen when a process related to an additional function is selected. When displaying on the setting screen, various operations to the setting screen may be restricted by the notification screen.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the notification screens 51 and 52 accept an instruction to iconify or stop the notification, but the instruction may not be accepted. In other words, the MFP 1 may accept only the restart instruction outside the effective period. Further, after the notification screens 51 and 52 are displayed, the MFP 1 may be automatically restarted if the user's operation is not accepted even after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed. Further, for example, if the state of the trial switch 28 can be changed without restarting, the MFP 1 only needs to change the state of the trial switch 28 without restarting. Also, instead of changing the state of trial switch 28 to completed, MFP 1 may erase trial switch 28 . Also, for example, the MFP 1 may set the trial mode in the state of the function switch. For example, as the state of the function switch, in addition to OFF and ON, a trial mode state may be provided. Further, the server 3 may store the information that the trial mode has been executed.

Also, for example, the MFP 1 may manage the validity period. However, management by the server 3 is likely to result in appropriate management. In this embodiment, the trial mode is not automatically ended even if the communication with the server 3 is abnormal. may end at In that case, it is preferable to notify that the trial mode has ended even after the trial mode ends.

Further, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not it is within the period of the trial mode when an instruction to activate the additional function is received, but this need not be the case. For example, if it is determined that the trial mode is outside the valid period, check the activation status of the additional functions, and if all the additional functions are activated, even if the trial mode is terminated without notification good. Further, in this embodiment, the MFP 1 has a plurality of additional functions that can be individually activated, but the number of additional functions may be one. Also, in the trial mode, all additional functions can be tried, but trials may be accepted for each function.

Also, in this embodiment, the trial switch 28 is provided separately from the function switches 25 to 27, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the state of the function switches 25 to 27 may be a trial mode state other than off and on. Then, when the trial mode is started, the MFP 1 may switch all the function switches 25 to 27 that are not turned on to the state of the trial mode.

Also, in the present embodiment, the MFP 1 has three types of secure print functions, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first SP function may be omitted. Alternatively, the MFP 1 may have only one of the second SP function and the third SP function as the additional function. Also, the MFP 1 may have, for example, a secure print function with different execution conditions in addition to the three types.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the MFP 1 executes a print job using the second SP function or the third SP function, if login authentication is successful, the MFP 1 accepts selection of a print job to be executed from the user's print jobs. However, the reverse order is also acceptable. That is, when the selected print job is a print job using the second SP function or the third SP function, the MFP 1 may request login input. Alternatively, all print jobs of users who have been successfully authenticated may be executed. Even in this case, the login authentication is included in the execution conditions, and the MFP 1 can print the print job after the login authentication is successful.

Also, for example, the MFP 1 may be able to accept the selection of the first SP function even within the effective period of the trial mode. For example, the MFP 1 may not enable the second SP function at the start of the trial mode, and may not enable either the second SP function or the third SP function unless a user's trial instruction is received. Alternatively, the MFP 1 may enable the second SP function at the start of the trial mode, and may select any of the first, second, and third SP functions within the validity period of the trial mode.

Also, in this embodiment, the setting information is not initialized when switching between the second SP function and the third SP function within the effective period of the trial mode, but it may be initialized. Alternatively, the user may be asked whether or not to initialize. Further, when an instruction to switch from the second SP function to another SP function is accepted within the effective period of the trial mode, if the print job accepted by the second SP function remains in the memory 12, the print job is deleted. Alternatively, it may be notified that the print job cannot be printed.

Further, for example, in the present embodiment, the additional functions are installed in the MFP 1 as the function programs 22 to 24 at the time of shipment from the factory, but there may be functions that can be installed after the shipment from the factory. For example, MFP 1 may be able to be equipped with new additional functions by updating firmware. Since the timing at which the firmware is updated has nothing to do with the validity period of the trial mode, for example, a new additional function may be installed during the validity period of the trial mode. When the firmware update makes it possible to try a new additional function, the MFP 1 accepts a trial instruction with the setting information used for that function initialized. However, the MFP 1 does not send firmware update information to the server 3, and the effective period of the trial mode remains unchanged.

In any sequence diagrams disclosed in the embodiments, multiple processes in any multiple steps can be arbitrarily changed in execution order or executed in parallel as long as there is no contradiction in the processing contents. .

Also, the processing disclosed in the embodiments may be performed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processes disclosed in the embodiments can be realized in various forms such as a recording medium recording a program for executing the processes, a method, and the like.

1 MFP
3 server 11 CPU
12 memory 13 user interface
15 image forming unit 16 image reading unit 100 system 300 shared server

Claims (11)

In an image processing system comprising an image processing device and a server,
The image processing apparatus has a special function, and the memory of the image processing apparatus stores function information indicating whether to enable or disable the special function. the function is disabled, and the memory stores the function information indicating that the special function is disabled;
The image processing device is
enabling the special function by changing the function information stored in the memory to the function information indicating that the special function is enabled when an instruction to enable the special function is received;
The server is
receiving a request to initiate a trial mode that enables a trial of the special function, the initiation request including identification information of the image processing device;
Further, the server
When the start request is received, the effective period of the trial mode is set, and period information indicating the set effective period of the trial mode is stored in association with the identification information of the image processing apparatus included in the received start request. and outputting a start command indicating the start of the trial mode,
The image processing device is
when the start command is input, the trial mode is started, and the special function is enabled within the validity period of the trial mode;
Furthermore, the image processing device
During the period in which the special function is valid, it is possible to input the setting information used in the special function by operating the user interface of the image processing apparatus, and the input setting information is stored in the memory. and perform processing related to the special function according to the setting information stored in the memory;
Furthermore, the image processing device
transmitting a confirmation command for confirming the period of the trial mode to the server at a first timing within the effective period of the trial mode, wherein the confirmation command includes identification information of the image processing device;
The server is
When the confirmation command is received from the image processing device, whether or not the trial mode is valid is within the valid period based on the period information associated with the identification information of the image processing device included in the received confirmation command. and responding to the image processing device with status information indicating the result of the determination;
The image processing device is
Ending the trial mode at a second timing after receiving the status information indicating that the trial mode is out of validity period from the server;
Furthermore, the image processing device
When exiting the trial mode,
if the function information indicating that the special function is disabled is stored in the memory, an initialization process for initializing the setting information stored in the memory is performed;
If the function information indicating validity of the special function is stored in the memory, the initialization process is not executed, and the process related to the special function is executed according to the setting information stored in the memory. is still possible, and the setting information can be continuously input by an operation using the user interface.
An image processing system characterized by: In the image processing system according to claim 1,
The image processing device includes an image processing unit,
Furthermore, the image processing device
when a first job including image data is received, the image data of the first job is stored in the memory until an execution condition of the first job is satisfied based on an input operation to the user interface; an accumulation job function for executing processing by the image processing unit based on the image data of the first job after the execution condition of one job is satisfied, and the special function includes a plurality of types; The function information is stored in the memory for each type of the special function, and the accumulation job function includes the accumulation job function of the first method and the accumulation job function of the second method, which differ in the execution conditions. , when the accumulation job function of the first method is enabled, the accumulation job function of the second method is disabled, and when the accumulation job function of the first method is disabled, the second method When the accumulation job function of the method is enabled and the accumulation job function of the first method is enabled, input of the first input information is accepted by the input operation to the user interface, and the entered first input information is received. 1 If the execution condition is that the input information is correct, and the accumulation job function of the second method is valid, the input of the second input information is accepted by the input operation to the user interface, and the input is performed. The execution condition is that the second input information is correct, the accumulation job function of the first method is included in the special function, and the accumulation job function of the second method is included in the special function. not included,
Furthermore, the image processing device
When exiting the trial mode,
if the function information indicating invalidity of the accumulation job function of the first method is stored in the memory, the setting information about the accumulation job function of the first method stored in the memory is initialized; executing the initialization process, and further executing an erasing process of erasing the image data of the first job stored in the memory;
If the function information indicating that the accumulation job function of the first method is valid is stored in the memory, the initialization process and the deletion process are not executed, and the first method stored in the memory is stored. According to the setting information about the accumulation job function, it is still possible to execute the processing related to the accumulation job function of the first method for the first job stored in the memory, and the user interface can continue to input the setting information for the accumulation job function of the first method by an operation using
An image processing system characterized by: In the image processing system according to claim 2,
the image processing device is connected to a shared server connectable to other image processing devices, and the shared server is capable of storing image data included in a second job;
Furthermore, the image processing device
When an instruction to execute the second job is received by an operation using the user interface, and when the instruction to execute the second job is received, after reading the image data of the second job from the shared server, the a server accumulation job function for executing processing by the image processing unit based on the image data of the second job, the server accumulation job function being included in the special function;
Furthermore, the image processing device
When exiting the trial mode,
executing the initialization process for initializing the setting information about the server accumulation job function stored in the memory if the function information indicating invalidity of the server accumulation job function is stored in the memory;
If the function information indicating validity of the server accumulation job function is stored in the memory, the initialization process is not executed, and the setting information about the server accumulation job function stored in the memory is used to perform the It is still possible to execute the processing related to the server accumulation job function for the second job stored in the shared server, and further, the setting of the server accumulation job function can be performed by an operation using the user interface. you can still enter information, and
Further, even if the function information indicating that the server accumulation job function is enabled is stored in the memory, the function information indicating that the server accumulation job function is disabled is stored in the memory. However, the image data of the second job stored in the shared server is not erased, and the second job stored in the shared server is also used by other devices connectable to the shared server. is possible,
An image processing system characterized by: an image processing unit;
a user interface;
memory;
a computer;
An image processing device comprising
The image processing apparatus has a special function, and the memory stores function information indicating whether to enable or disable the special function. the function information indicating invalidity of the function is stored,
The computer is
Modification to enable the special function by changing the function information stored in the memory to the function information indicating the enablement of the special function when an instruction to enable the special function is received perform the processing,
Further, the computer
When an input of a start command indicating the start of a trial mode that enables a trial of the special function is received, a start process for starting the trial mode is executed, and an effective period is set for the trial mode. and the special function is enabled within the validity period of the trial mode,
Further, the computer
During the period in which the special function is valid, an input process for inputting setting information used in the special function can be executed by an operation using the user interface, and the setting input in the input process is performed. information is stored in the memory, and processing for the special function is performed according to the configuration information stored in the memory;
Further, the computer
a determination process of determining whether or not the trial mode is within the valid period at a first timing within the valid period of the trial mode;
a termination process of terminating the trial mode at a second timing after it is determined in the determination process that the trial mode is outside the valid period;
and run
Further, the computer
When the trial mode is terminated in the termination process,
if the function information indicating that the special function is disabled is stored in the memory, an initialization process for initializing the setting information stored in the memory is performed;
If the function information indicating validity of the special function is stored in the memory, the initialization process is not executed, and the process related to the special function is executed according to the setting information stored in the memory. is still possible, and further said input processing is still possible,
An image processing apparatus characterized by: In the image processing device according to claim 4,
The image processing device has an accumulation job function,
The computer is
As the accumulation job function, when a first job including image data is accepted, the image data of the first job is stored in the memory until the execution conditions of the first job are satisfied based on an input operation to the user interface. , and after satisfying the execution condition of the first job, the image processing unit executes processing based on the image data of the first job, and the special function has a plurality of types, The function information is stored in the memory for each type of the special function, and further, the accumulation job function includes the accumulation job function of the first method and the accumulation job function of the second method having different execution conditions. and when the accumulation job function of the first method is enabled, the accumulation job function of the second method is disabled, and when the accumulation job function of the first method is disabled, the When the accumulation job function of the second method is enabled and the accumulation job function of the first method is enabled, the input of the first input information is accepted by the input operation to the user interface, and the inputted If the execution condition is that the first input information is correct, and the accumulation job function of the second method is valid, the input of the second input information is accepted by the input operation to the user interface, and the input is performed. The execution condition is that the received second input information is appropriate, the accumulation job function of the first method is included in the special function, and the accumulation job function of the second method is the special function. not included in
Further, the computer
When the trial mode is terminated in the termination process,
if the function information indicating invalidity of the accumulation job function of the first method is stored in the memory, the setting information about the accumulation job function of the first method stored in the memory is initialized; executing the initialization process, and further executing an erasing process of erasing the image data of the first job stored in the memory;
If the function information indicating that the accumulation job function of the first method is valid is stored in the memory, the initialization process and the deletion process are not executed, and the first method stored in the memory is stored. According to the setting information about the accumulation job function, it is still possible to execute the processing related to the accumulation job function of the first method for the first job stored in the memory, and the user interface can continue to input the setting information for the accumulation job function of the first method by an operation using
An image processing apparatus characterized by: In the image processing device according to claim 5,
the image processing device is connected to a shared server connectable to other image processing devices, and the shared server is capable of storing image data included in a second job;
The image processing device has a server accumulation job function,
The computer is
As the server accumulation job function, an execution instruction for the second job is received by an operation using the user interface, and when the execution instruction for the second job is received, the image of the second job is received from the shared server. After reading the data, the processing by the image processing unit is executed based on the image data of the second job, and the server accumulation job function is included in the special function,
Further, the computer
When the trial mode is terminated in the termination process,
executing the initialization process for initializing the setting information about the server accumulation job function stored in the memory if the function information indicating invalidity of the server accumulation job function is stored in the memory;
If the function information indicating validity of the server accumulation job function is stored in the memory, the initialization process is not executed, and the setting information about the server accumulation job function stored in the memory is used to perform the It is still possible to execute the processing related to the server accumulation job function for the second job stored in the shared server, and further, the setting of the server accumulation job function can be performed by an operation using the user interface. you can still enter information;
Further, even if the function information indicating that the server accumulation job function is enabled is stored in the memory, the function information indicating that the server accumulation job function is disabled is stored in the memory. However, the image data of the second job stored in the shared server is not deleted, and the second job stored in the shared server is also used from other devices that can be connected to the shared server. is possible,
An image processing apparatus characterized by: In the image processing device according to claim 4,
There are a plurality of types of the special functions, and the special functions include a first shared special function and a second shared special function that share the setting information,
the memory stores the function information corresponding to each of the first shared special function and the second shared special function;
The computer is
When the trial mode is terminated in the termination process,
When the memory stores the function information indicating that one of the first shared special function and the second shared special function is invalid, the memory stores the first shared special function and the second shared special function. If the function information indicating that the other function is invalid is also stored, the initialization process for initializing the setting information stored in the memory is executed, and the memory stores the first shared special function and the second common special function. 2 if the function information indicating that the other of the common special functions is valid is stored, the setting information is not initialized and the setting information at the end of the trial mode is taken over;
An image processing apparatus characterized by: In the image processing device according to claim 4,
The special function has a plurality of types, and includes a first exclusive special function and a second exclusive special function that are exclusively valid as the special function,
The computer is
A selection to enable either the first exclusive special function or the second exclusive special function within the effective period of the trial mode is accepted using the user interface, and the first exclusive special function is selected. is selected, the first exclusive special function is enabled and the second exclusive special function is disabled, and when the second exclusive special function is selected, the second exclusive special function is enabled and the second 1 disabling exclusive special functions and not initializing the setting information for the disabled special functions;
An image processing apparatus characterized by: In the image processing device according to any one of claims 4 to 8,
It has a predetermined function that is effective from the time of shipment from the factory, and the predetermined function is a function that is effective exclusively with the special function,
The computer is
enabling the special function and disabling the predetermined function when the trial mode is initiated;
Further, the computer
When the trial mode is terminated in the termination process,
if the function information indicating that the special function is disabled is stored in the memory, the predetermined function is enabled;
if the function information indicating the validity of the special function is stored in the memory, the predetermined function remains disabled;
An image processing apparatus characterized by: In the image processing device according to any one of claims 4 to 9,
The memory stores trial mode information indicating whether to enable or disable the trial mode, and the memory stores the trial mode information indicating that the trial mode is disabled at the time of shipment from the factory. has been
The computer is
When the input of the start command indicating the start of the trial mode that enables the trial of the special function is received, in the start process, information indicating validity of the trial mode information stored in the memory. Starting said trial mode by changing
Further, the computer
In the determination process, at the first timing within the effective period of the trial mode, a confirmation command for confirming the period of the trial mode is transmitted to the server, and the server confirms that the period is outside the effective period of the trial mode. When receiving the status information indicating that the trial mode is out of the effective period, the server, upon receiving the confirmation command from the image processing apparatus, determines whether the trial mode is in the effective period. determine, and respond to the image processing device the status information indicating the determination result;
Further, the computer
At the second timing after it is determined in the determination process that the trial mode is outside the effective period, the termination process is executed to change the trial mode information stored in the memory to information indicating invalidity. death,
Further, the computer
When the trial mode is terminated in the termination process,
executing the initialization process for initializing the setting information stored in the memory if the function information indicating that the special function is disabled is stored in the memory;
If the function information indicating validity of the special function is stored in the memory, the initialization process is not executed, and the process related to the special function is executed according to the setting information stored in the memory. is still possible, and the input processing is still possible,
Further, the computer
Information indicating that the trial mode information is invalid is stored in the memory without receiving from the server the status information indicating that the trial mode is outside the valid period within the valid period of the trial mode. in this case, holding the setting information in the memory without executing the initialization process for initializing the setting information stored in the memory;
An image processing apparatus characterized by: In the image processing device according to claim 10,
The computer is
After information indicating that the trial mode information is invalid is stored in the memory without receiving the status information indicating that the trial mode is out of the valid period from the server, and then within the valid period of the trial mode At a third timing, when the server is accessed, information indicating validity of the trial mode information is stored in the memory, and the processing relating to the special function is executed according to the setting information stored in the memory. is enabled, and the input processing is enabled,
An image processing apparatus characterized by:

Images