JP5298994B2 - License management system, image processing apparatus, license management server, license management method, license management program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To validate some of a plurality of group-licensed applications in a multifunction equipment not group-licensed. <P>SOLUTION: When receiving a request for a license for some applications from multifunction equipment 100b, group-licensed multifunction equipment 100a requests a license to a license management server 200. When the license for the applications is given by the license management server 200, the multifunction equipment 100a transmits license information to the multifunction equipment 100b. The license management server 200 receives a request from the multifunction equipment 100a. When it is determined that the applications is not licensed on the basis of a license management table 208 in which the identification information of the multifunction equipment 100a and the license status of the applications to a license key are associated with each other, the license management server 200 gives license to the multifunction equipment 100b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a license management system, an image processing apparatus, a license management server, a license management method, a license management program, and a storage medium.

  Conventionally, maintenance management of an image processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “multifunction machine”) connected to an internal network such as a LAN and storing the functions of each apparatus such as a printer, a copy machine, a facsimile machine, and a scanner in a single casing. There is known a remote management system that uses a management server installed in a manufacturer's service center. Here, in recent years, after shipment of a multifunction device, a user or a third party as a third party can develop a new external application (hereinafter referred to as an application) as an application related to image processing and install it on the multifunction device. It has a configuration.

  Usually, in order to prevent the use of a single license application (application) on multiple electronic devices, after installing the application, access the authentication server and perform a procedure to authenticate that the user has a legitimate license. . This procedure is already known as application validation. In the validation, the corresponding application is authenticated by the identification information of the electronic device and the license key in the external authentication server.

  On the other hand, when considering a license form in which multiple applications can be activated with a single license key (hereinafter referred to as a group license), not all applications that can be activated with a single group license are used on a single device. . At this time, it is convenient that an unused application can be used by another device owned by the same user. However, the conventional management method has a problem that the same group license cannot be used for a plurality of devices owned by the same user.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, use permission data associated with program identification information unique to each program and device identification information unique to each image forming apparatus is received via the network and associated with the use permission data. A configuration having an activation determination means for determining whether to activate a program by comparing the program identification information and the device identification information with the program identification information in the program and the device identification information of the image forming apparatus is disclosed. Yes.

  However, the technology in Patent Document 1 does not describe a plurality of applications licensed for use by a group license, and can distribute a plurality of applications to a multi-function peripheral managed by the same user and enable them. There was no problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and divides a plurality of applications that can be activated with a group license by a plurality of multifunction peripherals with respect to a group license that can be activated with a single license key. The purpose is to enable it.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a license management system comprising a plurality of image processing devices and a license management server connected to the plurality of image processing devices, The first image processing device among the plurality of image processing devices includes a first storage unit that stores a plurality of applications and license information indicating use permission of the plurality of applications, and a plurality of image processing devices. Of these, a first receiving means for receiving a license request for a part of the plurality of applications from the second image processing apparatus, and when receiving the license request, the license management server, License request means for requesting the second image processing apparatus to use the partial application, and the license A first transmission unit configured to transmit the license information to the second image processing apparatus when the license is granted to the part of the application by the management server, and the license management server includes: Second storage means for storing a license management state in which identification information of the image processing apparatus storing the license information is associated with a license usage status of the application in the license information; and the first image processing apparatus Based on the identification information of the first image processing apparatus that has transmitted the use permission request and the license management state when receiving the use permission request. A determination is made as to whether or not the application permits use of the image processing apparatus. A first license management unit that grants a license to the second image processing apparatus when the second image processing apparatus determines that the second image processing apparatus A fourth transmission unit that transmits a request for use permission for some applications, and a fourth reception unit that receives the license information from the first image processing apparatus.

  The present invention also provides an image processing apparatus connected to a license management server, the first storage means for storing license information indicating use permission of a plurality of applications, and the plurality of image processing apparatuses from the other image processing apparatuses. First receiving means for receiving a request for permission for use of a part of the application, and when receiving the use permission request, the part of the application to the other image processing apparatus with respect to the license management server. A license requesting means for requesting a license for use with the license management server, and when the license management server grants the license for the part of the application, a first request for transmitting the license information to the other image processing apparatus. And a transmission means.

  Further, the present invention provides a license management server connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses, the identification information of the image processing apparatus storing license information indicating use permission of the plurality of applications, and the application in the license information A second storage unit that stores a license management state that associates the usage permission status with the second license unit, and a second receiving unit that receives the license request from the first image processing device among the plurality of image processing devices. And the application uses the image processing apparatus based on the identification information of the first image processing apparatus that has transmitted the use permission request and the license management state when the use permission request is received. When it is determined whether or not the license is granted and it is determined that the license is not licensed, the second of the plurality of image processing apparatuses is determined. A first license management means for performing license to the image processing apparatus, further comprising a characterized.

  The present invention also provides a license management system comprising a plurality of image processing devices and a license management server connected to the plurality of image processing devices, wherein the first image of the plurality of image processing devices. The processing apparatus includes a license information that associates license information indicating use permission of a plurality of applications, identification information of the first image processing apparatus that stores the license information, and the use permission status of the application in the license information. A third storage unit that stores a management state; and a first storage unit that receives a request for permission for use of a part of the plurality of applications from a second image processing apparatus among the plurality of image processing apparatuses. When receiving the use permission request and the receiving means, the identification information of the second image processing apparatus and the license And determining whether or not the application permits use of the image processing apparatus based on the logical state. If it is determined that the use is not permitted, the second image processing apparatus A second license management means for granting a license; and when the license is granted, the license information is transmitted to the second image processing apparatus, and the license is used by the license management server. And a third transmission means for transmitting a message to the effect that the second image processing apparatus transmits a request for permission to use the partial application to the first image processing apparatus. And a fourth receiving means for receiving the license information from the first image processing apparatus.

  The present invention is also an image processing apparatus connected to a license management server, the license information indicating use permission of a plurality of applications, the identification information of the first image processing apparatus that stores the license information, A third storage unit that stores a license management state that associates the usage permission status of the application in the license information, and a license for a part of the plurality of applications from another image processing apparatus. A first receiving means for receiving a request; and when the use permission request is received, based on the identification information of the other image processing apparatus and the license management state, the application is sent to the image processing apparatus. If it is determined whether or not the user is licensed, and it is determined that the license is not licensed, A second license management unit that grants a license to the image processing apparatus; and when the license is granted, transmits the license information to the other image processing apparatus, and further sends the license information to the license management server. And third transmission means for transmitting the fact that the license of the copy is used.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that a part of a plurality of applications having a group license can be validated by a multifunction peripheral other than the group licensed multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a license management system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the license management server 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the license management server 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the license management module in the license management server 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the license management service in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure of license management processing executed in the license management system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating a license management table managed by the license management server 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8-2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a license management table managed by the license management server 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8C is a diagram for explaining a license management table managed by the license management server 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a device identification information table managed in the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the license management process executed in the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the license management process executed in the license management server 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the license management process executed in the license management server 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a screen for inputting information of the multifunction peripheral 100b sharing the group license in the multifunction peripheral 100a. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed in the multifunction peripheral 100a when inputting information of the multifunction peripheral 100b sharing the group license in FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing in which the multifunction device 100a authenticates the multifunction device 100b based on the information of the multifunction device 100b input on the input screen described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating a screen when a certificate issuance request for sharing a group license is issued. FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating a screen when a certificate issuance request for sharing a group license is issued. FIG. 16C is a diagram illustrating a screen when a certificate issuance request for sharing a group license is issued. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a screen when a certificate for sharing a group license is transmitted to another multifunction device. FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing performed by the multifunction peripheral 100a when issuing a certificate using the screen of FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing performed by the multifunction peripheral 100a when the IP address of the multifunction peripheral that transmits a certificate is input using the screen of FIG. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the license management service 2131 in the MFP 2100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a device identification information table included in the MFP 2100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure of license management processing executed in the license management system 2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure in which the MFP 2100 authenticates the MFP 100b in FIG. FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure in which the MFP 2100A authenticates the MFP 100b in FIG. FIG. 25A is a schematic diagram illustrating a license management table included in the license management server 2200 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 25-2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a license management table included in the license management server 2200 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 26 is a block diagram for explaining a hardware configuration of the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of a license management system, an image processing apparatus, a license management server, a license management method, a license management program, and a storage medium according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a license management system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the license management system 1, a device management apparatus 300, a license management server 200, and a software distribution server 400 are connected via a network 80 such as the Internet. A firewall 90 is provided between the device management apparatus 300 and the network 80.

  The firewall 90 monitors data flowing on the boundary with the outside so as to prevent unauthorized access by a third party who has entered the device management apparatus 300 through an external network such as the Internet, and detects and blocks unauthorized access.

  The multifunction device 100 is a device having a plurality of functions such as copying, faxing, and printers, and is connected to the device management device 200 via a local network. In the license management system according to the present embodiment, three multifunction peripherals 100a, 100b, and 100c (hereinafter simply referred to as the multifunction peripheral 100 unless otherwise specified) are connected. Instead, one, two, or four or more multifunction peripherals may be connected.

  The multifunction device 100a owns a license key indicating permission for use of the group license, and when receiving a request for permission for use of some of the plurality of applications from the multifunction device 100b, the multifunction device 100a transmits the request to the license management server 200. When a license for a part of the application is requested to the machine 100b and the license for the part of the application is granted by the license management server 200, a license key is transmitted to the multifunction machine 100b. Details will be described later.

  The software distribution server 400 is an apparatus that holds an application 172 used in the multifunction peripheral 100 and provides the application 172 to the multifunction peripheral 100 via the device management apparatus 200.

  The license management server 200 is a device that manages the license (usage right) of the application 172 that is provided from the software distribution server 400 and installed in the multifunction peripheral 100. The license management server 200 stores and manages the identification information of the multifunction peripheral 100a that owns the license key of the group license, and the license management table 208 that stores which applications are enabled in a plurality of applications. When a license usage permission request is received from 100a, the identification information (IP address) of the multifunction peripheral 100a and the activation status of a plurality of applications are referred to, and the application is not licensed by the multifunction peripheral 100. In this case, an application license is granted to the multifunction peripheral 100b that requested the license. Details will be described later.

  A plurality of multifunction peripherals 100 are connected to the device management apparatus 300 via a network different from the network 80, such as a LAN, for example, and processing performed between the software distribution server 400 and the license management server 200 and the multifunction peripheral 100 is performed. It is an intermediary device. Specifically, the application 172 provided by the software distribution server 400 is transmitted to the multifunction device 100, and the license key of the application 172 distributed from the license management server 200 is transmitted to the multifunction device 100. Here, the device management apparatus 300 mediates processing performed between the software distribution server 400, the license management server 200, and the multifunction peripheral 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In a license management system that is not provided, the MFP 100 may perform processing between the software distribution server 400 and the license management server 200 without using the device management apparatus 300. The following will be described using the latter case.

  Next, the license management server 200 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of the license management server 200 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the license management server 200 includes a control device such as a CPU 201, an RTC 202, an HDD (hard disk: non-volatile storage medium) 203, an external storage device such as a CD drive device, and a RAM (Random Access Memory). 204, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 206, a network interface controller (NIC) 205 that controls network communication, a display device such as a display device, and an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. It has a hardware configuration using a computer. Each unit is connected by a bus 207.

  An RTC (real time clock) 202 is an internal clock that includes an oscillator, a frequency divider, and the like and generates a clock signal. The HDD 203 holds firmware for updating the multifunction peripheral 100, and the RAM 204 holds various data necessary for the operation of the CPU 201. The HDD 203 and the RAM 204 function as a license management storage unit that stores various data used in the license management process, in particular, the license management table 208.

  Next, a functional configuration of the license management server 200 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the license management server 200 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the license management server 200 includes three layers: an application layer 270, a service layer 280, and a protocol layer 290.

  The application layer 270 includes a device control module 271 and an NRS function module group 272. The device control module 271 is a program for performing information management, communication settings, and the like of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The NRS function module group 272 is a function for the MFP 100, the license management server 200, and the device management apparatus 300 to transmit and receive processing requests and responses to the methods of the applications to be mounted in order to realize remote management by the license management system 1. have. In order to realize NRS, protocols such as SOAP, HTTP, and FTP can be used. The NRS function module group 272 of this embodiment includes a license management module 273. The license management module 273 will be described later.

  The service layer 280 includes a security service 281, a communication service 282, and a scheduler service 283. The security service 281 is a module that generates and executes a job for preventing unauthorized leakage of internal information or the like to the outside. The communication service 282 is a module that realizes transmission / reception of information between the license management server 200 and the multifunction peripheral 100. The scheduler service 283 is a module that performs processing of each method group based on predetermined set time information.

  The protocol layer 290 is a module that generates and executes a job for transmitting / receiving information using a protocol corresponding to an information transmission / reception target.

  Details of the license management module 273 will be described below. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the license management module 273 in the license management server 200 according to the first embodiment. The license management module 273 mainly includes a license management unit 274, a reception unit 275, a transmission unit 276, and a license management DB (database) 277.

  When the license management unit 274 receives a license key license request for a group license from the multifunction device 100a, the license management unit 274 manages the identification information of the multifunction device 100a and the usage states of a plurality of applications licensed by the group license. Based on the license management table 208, it is determined whether or not the application for which the use permission is requested from the multifunction device 100a is already activated, and when it is determined that the application is not activated by another multifunction device 100. The application is licensed to the multifunction peripheral 100b.

  The receiving unit 275 receives a use permission request for a group licensed application from the multi-function peripheral 100a.

  The transmission unit 276 transmits the license key to the multifunction device 100b when the license management unit 274 permits the multifunction device 100b to use the license key.

  The license management DB stores and saves the identification information (IP address) of the multifunction peripheral 100a that owns the license key of the group license, and which of the plurality of applications is enabled in the license key. 208 is stored.

  Next, the overall functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 100 will be described later with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a black and white laser printer (B & W LP) 101, a color laser printer (Color LP) 102, a hard disk device (HDD) 103, a scanner, a facsimile, a memory, a network interface, and the like. A hardware resource 104 is included, and a software group 110 including a platform 120 and an application 130 is provided.

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

  The control service is formed of a plurality of service modules, and includes an SCS (system control service) 122, an ECS (engine control service) 124, an MCS (memory control service) 125, an OCS (operation panel control service) 126, and an FCS. (Fax Control Service) 127, NCS (Network Control Service) 128, NRS (New Remote Service) 129, and License Management Service 131. The platform 120 has an application program interface (API) that enables a processing request to be received from the application 130 using a predefined function.

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

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

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

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

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

  The MCS 125 process acquires and releases an image memory, uses a hard disk device (HDD), compresses and decompresses image data, and the like.

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

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

  The process of the OCS 126 controls the operation panel (operation panel) 20 (see FIG. 26) that is an information transmission means between the operator (user) and the main body control. The OCS 126 obtains a key press (or touch operation) from the operation panel as a key event, and operates according to a request from the application 130 or the control service and a part of the OCS process that transmits a key event function corresponding to the obtained key to the SCS 122. A drawing function for drawing and outputting various screens on the panel, a function for controlling the operation panel, and the like are composed of pre-registered OCS library portions. The OCS library is mounted by being linked to each module of the application 130 and the control service. The OCS 126 may be configured to operate as a process, or the OCS 126 may be configured as an OCS library.

  The NRS (New Remote Service) 129 is an application that realizes functions related to remote management via the network and a scheduler function, such as data conversion when data is transmitted and received via the network.

  When the license management service 131 receives a request for permission of use for some of the plurality of applications from the multifunction peripheral 100b, the license management service 131 requests the license management server 200 to grant permission for use of some of the applications to the multifunction peripheral 100b. When the license management server 200 permits use of some applications, the license management server 200 has a function of transmitting a license key to the multifunction peripheral 100b. Details will be described later.

  The application 130 includes a printer application 111 that is a printer application having a page description language (PDL), PCL, and postscript (PS), a copy application 112 that is a copy application, and a fax application 113 that is a facsimile application. A scanner application 114 as a scanner application, a network file application 115 as a network file application, a process inspection application 116 as a process inspection application, and a WEB server for a client terminal such as a PC connected to the Internet It has a WEB application 117 that operates as an (http server) and displays various screens on a WEB browser that operates on a client terminal.

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

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

  Also, in the multifunction device 100, a third party such as a customer of the multifunction device 100, a third vendor, or the like has an application A, an application B,... (Hereinafter, an unspecified application is simply referred to as an application 172). )) Can be developed and installed. This application 172 can be installed via a network.

  In the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, a plurality of application 130 processes and a plurality of control service processes operate. However, the application 130 and the control service process have a single configuration. Is also possible. Each application 130 can be added or deleted for each application. That is, as described above, the application 172 can be installed and can be uninstalled.

  Next, details of the license management service 131 will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of the license management service 131 in the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment.

  When the authentication unit 138 refers to the device identification table 140 shown in FIG. 9 and receives an authentication request from the multifunction device 100b, the identification information of the multifunction device 100b is stored in the multifunction device 100a. Further, the MFP 100b authenticates that the MFP 100b is owned by the same user as the MFP 100a and can share a group license.

  The license management service 131 mainly includes a license request unit 132, a reception unit 133, a transmission unit 134, and a license management DB 136.

  The license request unit 132 requests the license management server 200 to the multifunction device 100b when the multifunction device 100b requests permission for some of the plurality of applications licensed by the group license. Request permission to use some applications.

  The receiving unit 133 receives a use permission request for some of the plurality of applications from the multi-function peripheral 100b.

  The transmission unit 134 transmits a license key to the multifunction peripheral 100b when the license management server 200 permits use of some of the plurality of applications.

  The license management DB 136 uses a flash memory or a nonvolatile memory area such as the HDD 103 shown in FIG. 26, and stores a device identification information table 140 (see FIG. 9) that stores identification information of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  Next, a procedure of license management processing in the license management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure of license management processing executed in the license management system 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The multifunction device 100b requests the license management server 200 to search for the multifunction device 100 that owns the group license including the license of the application that is desired to be used (step S1). The license management server 200 searches for a multi-function peripheral that owns the corresponding license key and has the same user ID as the multi-function peripheral 100b (step S2). In this case, the MFP 100b is notified of the identification information of the MFP 100a (step S3).

  Upon receiving the identification information of the multifunction device 100a, the multifunction device 100b receives the identification information of each multifunction device 100 from the multifunction device 100a or the multifunction device 100c existing on the internal network connected by a LAN or the like. It is inquired whether it matches the identification information (steps S4 to S5). On the other hand, a response to the effect that the identification information does not match is received from the multifunction device 100c (step S6), and a response to the effect that the identification information matches is received from the multifunction device 100a (step S7).

  Next, the multifunction device 100b transmits a request to the multifunction device 100a to authenticate the identification information of the multifunction device 100b (step S8). Hereinafter, the processing of steps S9 to S13 will be described in parallel with the authentication processing procedure of the multifunction peripheral 100b executed by the multifunction peripheral 100a shown in steps S30 to S35 of FIG.

  The MFP 100a refers to the device identification table 140 shown in FIG. 9, and the identification information (IP address) of the MFP 100b is the identification information of the MFP 100b stored in the MFP 100a. The machine 100b is owned by a user ID: 0001 that is the same user as the multifunction machine 100a, and authenticates that it is a multifunction machine that can share a group license (step S9, step S30).

  When the identification information of the multifunction device 100b is authenticated by the multifunction device 100a (step S31; Yes), the multifunction device 100a sends the license key K of the group license, the identification information of the multifunction device 100a, and the multifunction device 100b to the license management server 200. The identification information of the MFP 100b is requested to be added to the device identification information list of the license management table 208 (step S10, step S32). On the other hand, when the identification information of the multifunction device 100b is not authenticated by the multifunction device 100a (step S31; No), the MFP 100b is notified that the authentication has failed (step S35).

  In step S11, the license management server 200 searches whether there is identification information (IP address) of the MFP 100b in the device identification information list of the license management table 208 (see FIG. 8) regarding the license key K. A process in which the license management server 200 searches for identification information of the multifunction peripheral 100b in step S11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in the license management table 208 shown in FIG. 8A, it moves to the head of the device identification information list (step S40), and determines whether there is identification information of the multifunction peripheral registered in the list (step S41). ). When there is identification information of the multifunction device (step S41; Yes), it is determined whether or not the identification information matches the identification information of the multifunction device 100b (step S42). When the identification information does not match the identification information of the multifunction device 100b (step S42; No), the pointer is advanced to the next identification information in the list (step S43) (see FIG. 8-2) and matches the identification information of the multifunction device 100b. Steps S41 to S43 are repeated until When the identification information of the multifunction device indicated by the list pointer matches the identification information of the multifunction device 100b (step S42; Yes), the license management server 200 authenticates the multifunction device 100b in step S11, and in step S12, the multifunction device 100a. Is notified of the authentication of the multifunction peripheral 100b. If the identification information of the multifunction device does not remain in the list in step S41 (step S41; No), the identification information of the multifunction device 100b is added to the device identification information list (step S44, step S11), and the license management server 200 performs the combination. The machine 100a is notified that the identification information of the multifunction machine 100b has been added (step S12).

  Then, the license management server 200 notifies the multifunction peripheral 100a that the use permission of the application B by the multifunction peripheral 100b has been authenticated and that the identification information of the multifunction peripheral 100b has been added to the license management table 208 ( Step S12, Step S33).

  The multi-function device 100a transmits the notification and the license key K received from the license management server 200 to the multi-function device 100b (steps S13 and S34). When the multifunction peripheral 100b receives the notification that the use is permitted, the multifunction peripheral 100b requests the software distribution server 400 to distribute the application B (step S14). In response to this distribution request, the software distribution server 400 distributes the installation execution file of the application B to the multifunction peripheral 100b (step S15). The multi-function device 100b installs the app B using the distributed execution file (step S16).

  After the installation is completed, the multifunction device 100b transmits the license key K notified from the multifunction device 100a in step S13, the identification information of the multifunction device 100b, and the identification information of the application B to the license management server 200. A request for license acquisition of the application B is made (step S17).

  In step S18, the license management server 200 performs a use permission process for the application B by the multifunction peripheral 100b. The process in step S18 will be described with reference to FIG. The license management server 200 starts a search from the first line of the device identification information list in the license management table 208b (see FIG. 8-2) regarding the license key K including the license of the application B (step S50). It is determined whether there is identification information of the multifunction device in the list. If there is identification information of the multifunction device (step S51; Yes), whether the identification information of the multifunction device matches the identification information of the multifunction device 100b. Is determined (step S52). If it does not match the identification information of the multifunction peripheral 100b (step S52; No), the process proceeds to step S53, the next identification information in the list is examined, and steps S51 to S53 are repeated.

  If it matches the identification information of the multifunction device in step S52 (step S52; Yes), the application B requested for use is being used by another multifunction device 100. That is, it is determined whether or not the license key K for the application B has been validated (step S54). When the application B is used (step S54; Yes), the MFP 100b is notified that the application B cannot be used (step S57). When the application B is not used (step S54; No), as shown in FIG. 8C, the license status of the application B is changed to “validated” in the license management table 208c (step S55), and the multifunction device The license key KB of application B is notified to 100b (step S56, step S19).

  Here, the license key KB of the application B is a license key for licensing the application B which is a part of a plurality of applications licensed with the group license, and the application B is already valid. This is a license key issued by the license management server 200 when it is not converted. Similarly to the above, the license key KC of the application C is issued to the application C.

  As described above, when the permission process in step S18 of FIG. 7 ends and the MFP 100b is notified of the license authentication key KB of the application B, the MFP 100b validates the application B using the license authentication key KB. (Step S20).

  As described above, the license management system according to the present embodiment enables some of the plurality of applications permitted to be used with the group license on a multifunction peripheral other than the multifunction peripheral having the license key of the group license. As a result, it is possible to improve the convenience of the application licensed by the group license.

  When the multifunction device 100a authenticates the multifunction device 100b in step S9 described above, the authentication is performed by the input screen illustrated in FIG. 13 and the procedures illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 15 as described below. Good.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen when the identification information of the multifunction peripheral 100b that desires to share the group license is input in the multifunction peripheral 100a. As shown in the figure, on the input screen, the license key K of the group license and the identification information of the multifunction peripheral 100b are input.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the multifunction peripheral 100a when input is performed from the input screen illustrated in FIG. The multi-function device 100a displays an input screen (step S60). When the license key and identification information of the multi-function device 100b are input by the user and the “execute” key is pressed (step S61; Yes), the license key is displayed. It is determined whether or not it has been input (step S62). If the license key has already been input (step S62; Yes), it is determined whether or not device identification information has been input (step S63). When the device identification information has been input (step S63; Yes), the input license key and the identification information of the multifunction peripheral 100b are stored and saved in the license management DB 136 (step S64). If no input is made in steps S62 to S63 (step S62; No, step S63; No), the process returns to step S61 and waits for input. When the “end” key is pressed after executing the storage and saving in step S64 (step S65; Yes), the device identification information input screen is closed and the process ends (step S66). When the “end” key is not pressed (step S65; No), the process returns to step S61.

  FIG. 15 shows a procedure of processing (corresponding to step S9 in FIG. 7) in which the multifunction device 100a authenticates the multifunction device 100b using the identification information of the multifunction device 100b collected by the multifunction device 100a in the process of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining these.

  The multi-function device 100a receives the identification information transmitted by the multi-function device 100b (step S70). The multi-function device 100a determines whether or not the identification information transmitted by the multi-function device 100b matches the identification information stored and held in step S64 (step S71). If they match (step S71; Yes), the authentication of the multifunction peripheral 100b is completed (step S72), and the process proceeds to step S10 and subsequent steps in FIG. If the identification information does not match (step S71; No), the authentication of the multifunction device 100b fails (step S73), and the fact that the authentication has failed is notified to the multifunction device 100b.

(Other aspects of the first embodiment)
As another aspect of the first embodiment, as a method of authenticating the multi-function peripheral 100b by the multi-function peripheral 100a, the license management server 200 or the other so that the multi-function peripheral 100a issues a certificate for sharing the group license. There is a method of requesting a certificate issuing server and authenticating the multifunction peripheral 100b using the issued certificate.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a screen for requesting the license management server 200 to issue a certificate for sharing a group license in the multifunction peripheral 100a. Here, it is assumed that the license management server 200 issues a certificate, but as another example, a certificate may be issued by a certificate issuing server.

  A procedure of processing for requesting certificate issuance in the multifunction peripheral 100a will be described with reference to FIG.

  The multi-function device 100a displays a screen for inputting the license key of the group license as shown in FIG. 16-1 (step S80). In this input screen, the user inputs the license key, presses the execution key (step S81; Yes), and when it is confirmed that the license key has been input (step S82; Yes), FIG. The screen is changed to a screen indicating that a certificate issuance request is being made (step S83). Further, the multifunction peripheral 100a transmits a certificate issuance request to the license management server 200 (step S84), and waits in step S85 until a certificate is received from the license management server 200. When the certificate is received (step S85; Yes), the multi-function device 100a stores and saves the received certificate in the license management DB 136 (step S86). Thereafter, the issued screen shown in FIG. 16-3 is displayed on the display screen (step S87), and the process waits at step S88 until the “end key” is pressed. If the “end key” is pressed (step S88; Yes), the certificate issued screen is closed and the process is ended (step S89).

  Next, a process in which the multifunction peripheral 100a transmits the certificate issued as described above to another multifunction peripheral will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 19, the MFP 100a inputs identification information (IP address) of a destination MFP (here, the MFP 100b) when transmitting a certificate to another MFP. The input screen to be displayed is displayed (step S100). When the user inputs the IP address of the MFP 100b (see FIG. 19) and presses the “execute key” (step S101; Yes), it is confirmed whether the IP address has been input (step S102). When it is confirmed that the IP address has already been input (step S102; Yes), a screen for notifying that the certificate is being transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 100b is displayed (step S103). Here, when transmitting the certificate to the multifunction peripheral 100b, the pre-installed certificate is used and the certificate is encrypted (step S104). Since the preinstalled certificate is included in both the multifunction device 100a and the multifunction device 100b, encrypted communication is possible. The multi-function device 100a transmits the encrypted certificate to the destination IP address, and ends the transmission process (step S105).

(Second Embodiment)
In the license management system 1 according to the first embodiment, the license management server 200 can manage the license status by adding the identification information of the multifunction peripheral 100b to the license management table 208, and the license management server 200 can use the license management server 200 for the multifunction peripheral 100b. The use of some of the applications that have not been made possible. On the other hand, in the license management apparatus system 2 according to the second embodiment, the multifunction device 2100a authenticates the multifunction device 2100b, and the multifunction device 100a does not use the license management server 2200 with some applications that are not used. Is required to use the license.

  The functional configuration of the MFP 2100a according to the second embodiment includes a license management service 2131 different from the license management service 131 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 6). The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of the license management service 2131 in the multifunction peripheral 2100 (multifunction peripherals 2100a, 2100b, 2100c) according to the second embodiment. The authentication unit 138, the reception unit 133, and the transmission unit 134 have the same functions as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  When the MFP 2100b is authenticated by the identification information of the MFP 2100b, the license request unit 2132 requests the license management server 2200 to use a part of the application license using the identification information of the MFP 2100a. To do.

  The license management unit 135 manages the activation status of a plurality of applications for the group license using the device identification information table 137 included in the multifunction peripheral 2100a. Further, when the license management unit 135 receives a request for permission to use some applications from the MFP 2100b, the license management unit 135 indicates whether or not some applications are being used by other MFPs 2100. If some applications have not been validated, use by the multifunction device 100b is permitted.

  The license management DB 2136 stores and saves the device identification information table 137.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 21, the device identification information table 137 stores identification information (IP address) of the MFP 2100 that can use a plurality of applications licensed by a license key K that is a group license. The MFP 2100a refers to the device identification information table 137 and can confirm and authenticate the MFP 2100 that can use the application.

  Next, the procedure of the license management process executed in the license management system 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The processing in steps S1 to S8 is processing in which the multifunction device 100b requests authentication from the multifunction device 100a based on the identification information of the multifunction device 100b by the same processing as in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  Hereinafter, the processing of steps S110 to S111 will be described in combination with a flowchart of processing performed by the multifunction peripheral 2100a shown in FIG.

  Upon receiving the authentication request from the multifunction device 2100b, the multifunction device 2100a determines whether the identification information received from the multifunction device 2100b matches the identification information of the requested multifunction device, as in the first embodiment. Then, the MFP 2100b is authenticated (steps S110 and S120). When the authentication is performed (step S121; Yes), as shown in FIG. 21, in addition to the identification information of the MFP 2100a already entered in the device identification information table 137 for the license key K, the MFP 2100b Identification information is added (step S122). After updating the device identification information table 137, the multifunction device 2100a notifies the multifunction device 2100b of the completion of authentication and the license key K (steps S111 and S123). In FIG. 23, when the authentication of the multifunction device 2100b fails (step S121; No), the multifunction device 2100a notifies the multifunction device 2100b that the authentication has failed (step S124).

  Next, in FIG. 22, the multifunction peripheral 2100 b makes an application distribution request for the application C to the software distribution server 400 (step S <b> 14), as in steps S <b> 14 to S <b> 16 of the first embodiment. The setup file of the requested application C is received (step S15), and the application C is installed using the received setup file (step S16).

  Hereinafter, the processing of steps S112 to S117 will be described in combination with a flowchart of processing performed by the multifunction peripheral 2100a shown in FIG.

  After the installation is completed, the multifunction device 2100a receives the authentication request for the application C from the multifunction device 2100b (steps S112 and S130; Yes). Similar to the first embodiment, the MFP 2100a performs the authentication process of the MFP 2100b (Steps S113 and S131), and the MFP 2100b identification information transmitted by the MFP 2100b and the MFP that has transmitted the identification information. If the identification information matches, the authentication is completed (step S132; Yes). If the identification information does not match, the authentication fails (step S132; No), and the MFP 2100b is notified that the authentication has failed (step S136).

  After the multifunction device 2100b is authenticated, the multifunction device 2100a transmits the identification information of the multifunction device 2100a and the identification information of the application C to the license management server 2200, and requests the use permission of the application C (step S114). , S133), and waits for a response from the license management server 2200 (step S134). The license management server 2200 refers to the license management table 209 (see FIG. 25) for the license key K, and identifies the MFP 2100 identification information registered in the license management table 209 and the identification of the MFP 2100a that has made a use permission request. It is determined whether or not the information matches, and whether or not the application C requested to be licensed is used with the license key K. If the identification information of the MFP 2100a matches and the application C is not used as shown in FIG. 25-1, the license management server 2200 permits the MFP 2100a to use the application C (step S115). .

  After the license is granted, the license management server 2200 stores and updates the license management table 209 indicating that the application C has been validated with the license key K, as shown in FIG. Then, the license management server 2200 notifies the MFP 2100a that the use of the application C is permitted and the license key KC of the application C (steps S116 and S135). Next, the multifunction device 2100a transmits the license key KC of the application C to the multifunction device 2100b (step S117). The multi-function device 2100b validates the application C using the received license key KC of the application C (step S118).

  As described above, the second embodiment is configured such that the multifunction device 2100a manages the group license and requests the license management server 2200 to use the application C on behalf of the multifunction device 2100b. As a result, the license management server 2200 can cope with the same configuration as the conventional license management server, the cost required for system construction can be reduced, and the license management system of the present embodiment can be quickly introduced. The effect of becoming.

  FIG. 26 illustrates the hardware of the multifunction peripherals 100 and 2100 according to the first and second embodiments (hereinafter, the hardware configuration is the same as that of the first and second embodiments, and is therefore referred to as the multifunction peripheral 100). It is a block diagram which shows a structure. As shown in the figure, the multifunction peripheral 100 has a configuration in which a controller 10 and an engine unit (Engine) 60 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) bus. The controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire MFP 100 and controls drawing, communication, and input from an operation unit (not shown). The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a one-drum color plotter, a four-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 60 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

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

  The CPU 11 performs overall control of the multifunction peripheral 100, has a chip set including the NB 13, the MEM-P 12, and the SB 14, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

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

  The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 12a and a RAM 12b. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a program / data storage memory, and the RAM 12b is a writable / readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, or the like.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 14 is connected to the NB 13 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 16 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP 15, the PCI bus, the HDD 103, and the MEM-C 17. The ASIC 16 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 16, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 17, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that rotate image data using hardware logic. (Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus. The ASIC 16 is connected with an FCU (Facile Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical Engineers 50) interface via an PCI bus. The operation display unit 20 is directly connected to the ASIC 16.

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

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

  The license management program executed by the image processing apparatuses 100 and 2100 and the license management servers 200 and 2200 according to the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The license management program executed by the image processing apparatuses 100 and 2100 and the license management servers 200 and 2200 according to the present embodiment is an installable format or executable file, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD. The recording medium may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as -R or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

  Furthermore, the license management program executed by the image processing apparatuses 100 and 2100 and the license management servers 200 and 2200 according to the present embodiment is stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. You may comprise so that it may provide. In addition, the license management program executed by the image processing apparatuses 100 and 2100 and the license management servers 200 and 2200 of the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The license management program executed by the image processing apparatuses 100 and 2100 according to the present embodiment includes the above-described units (authentication unit 138, license request units 132 and 2132, reception unit 133, transmission unit 134, and license management unit 135). As the actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads the license management program from the ROM and executes it to load the above units onto the main storage device, and the authentication unit 138, license request The units 132 and 2132, the reception unit 133, the transmission unit 134, and the license management unit 135 are generated on the main storage device.

  In addition, the license management program executed by the license management servers 200 and 2200 according to the present embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units (license management unit 274, reception unit 275, transmission unit 276). As hardware, a CPU (processor) reads out and executes a device management program from the ROM, and the above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device. A license management unit 274, a reception unit 275, and a transmission unit 276 are installed on the main storage device. To be generated.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described by taking an example in which the image forming apparatus is applied to a multifunction machine having at least two functions among a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The present invention can be applied to any image forming apparatus such as a printer, a scanner apparatus, and a facsimile apparatus.

  In the above embodiment, the software distribution server 400 and the license management server 200 are connected to the Internet, and the MFPs 100 and 2100 and the device management apparatus 300 are connected to the LAN. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is not something. For example, the MFPs 100 and 2100, the device management apparatus 300, the license management server 200, and the software distribution server 400 may be connected to a single network such as the Internet.

1, 2 License management system 100, 2100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 2100a, 2100b, 2100c MFP 200, 2200 License management server 300 Device management device 400 Software distribution server 80 Internet 90 Firewall 131, 2131 License management service 132, 2132 License request unit 133, 275 Reception unit 134, 276 Transmission unit 135, 274 License management unit 136, 2136, 277 License management DB
137, 140 Device identification information table 2137 Device identification information table 172, A, B, C Application 273 License management module 274 License management unit 208, 208a, 208b, 208c, 209a, 209b License management table

JP 2008-016013 A

Claims (18)

A license management system comprising a plurality of image processing devices and a license management server connected to the plurality of image processing devices,
The first image processing device among the plurality of image processing devices is
First storage means for storing a plurality of applications and license information indicating use permission of the plurality of applications;
First receiving means for receiving a use permission request for a part of the plurality of applications from a second image processing apparatus among the plurality of image processing apparatuses;
License request means for requesting the license management server to use the partial image with the second image processing device when the license request is received;
A first transmission unit configured to transmit the license information to the second image processing apparatus when the license management server permits use of the part of the application;
The license management server
Second storage means for storing a license management state in which identification information of an image processing apparatus that stores the license information is associated with a status of use permission of the application in the license information;
Second receiving means for receiving the use permission request from the first image processing apparatus;
When the use permission request is received, the application grants the use permission to the image processing apparatus based on the identification information of the first image processing apparatus that has transmitted the use permission request and the license management state. And a first license management unit that grants a license to the second image processing apparatus when it is determined that the license is not licensed.
The second image processing apparatus includes:
Fourth transmission means for transmitting a request for permission to use the partial application to the first image processing apparatus;
Fourth receiving means for receiving the license information from the first image processing apparatus;
A license management system comprising: An image processing apparatus connected to a license management server,
First storage means for storing license information indicating use permission of a plurality of applications;
First receiving means for receiving, from another image processing apparatus, a request for use permission for some of the plurality of applications;
License request means for requesting the license management server to use the part of the application from the other image processing device when the license request is received;
A first transmission unit configured to transmit the license information to the other image processing apparatus when the license management server permits use of the part of the application;
An image processing apparatus comprising: A license management server connected to a plurality of image processing devices,
Second storage means for storing a license management state in which identification information of the image processing apparatus that stores license information indicating use permission of a plurality of applications is associated with a status of use permission of the application in the license information; ,
Second receiving means for receiving the use permission request from the first image processing device among the plurality of image processing devices;
When the use permission request is received, the application grants the use permission to the image processing apparatus based on the identification information of the first image processing apparatus that has transmitted the use permission request and the license management state. A first license management means for granting a license to a second image processing device among the plurality of image processing devices when it is determined whether the license is not licensed;
A license management server comprising: A license management system comprising a plurality of image processing devices and a license management server connected to the plurality of image processing devices,
The first image processing device among the plurality of image processing devices is
A license management state in which license information indicating use permission of a plurality of applications, identification information of the first image processing apparatus that stores the license information, and a status of use permission of the application in the license information are associated with each other; Third storage means for storing
First receiving means for receiving a use permission request for a part of the plurality of applications from a second image processing apparatus among the plurality of image processing apparatuses;
Whether or not the application has granted a license to the image processing apparatus based on the identification information of the second image processing apparatus and the license management state when the use permission request is received. A second license management unit that grants a license to the second image processing apparatus when it is determined that the license is not licensed;
A third transmission unit configured to transmit the license information to the second image processing apparatus when the license is granted, and to transmit a notification that the partial license is used to the license management server; With
The second image processing apparatus includes:
Fourth transmission means for transmitting a request for permission to use the partial application to the first image processing apparatus;
Fourth receiving means for receiving the license information from the first image processing apparatus;
A license management system comprising: An image processing apparatus connected to a license management server,
A license management state in which license information indicating use permission of a plurality of applications, identification information of the first image processing apparatus that stores the license information, and a status of use permission of the application in the license information are associated with each other; Third storage means for storing
First receiving means for receiving, from another image processing apparatus, a request for use permission for some of the plurality of applications;
Whether or not the application has granted a license to the image processing apparatus based on the identification information of the other image processing apparatus and the license management state when the use permission request is received. A second license management means for granting a license to the other image processing apparatus when it is determined that the license is not licensed;
A third transmission unit configured to transmit the license information to the other image processing apparatus when the license has been granted, and to transmit that the partial license has been used to the license management server;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The license management server
Certificate issuing means for issuing a certificate certifying use permission of the plurality of applications to the second image processing apparatus;
The fourth receiving means further receives the certificate from the first image processing apparatus,
The fourth transmission means further transmits a use permission request for the partial application to the license management server using the certificate.
The license management system according to claim 1, wherein: A certificate issuing server;
The certificate issuing server is
Certificate issuing means for issuing a certificate certifying use permission of the plurality of applications to the second image processing apparatus;
The fourth receiving means further receives the certificate from the first image processing apparatus,
The fourth transmission means further transmits a use permission request for the partial application to the license management server using the certificate.
The license management system according to claim 1, wherein: A license management method executed in a license management system comprising a plurality of image processing devices and a license management server connected to the plurality of image processing devices,
The first image processing device of the plurality of image processing devices includes a first storage unit that stores a plurality of applications and license information indicating use permission of the plurality of applications.
The license management server includes a second storage unit that stores a license management state in which identification information of an image processing apparatus that stores the license information is associated with a use permission state of the application in the license information.
A fourth transmission step in which a fourth transmission unit of the second image processing apparatus transmits a use permission request for the partial application to the first image processing apparatus;
The first receiving means of the first image processing device receives a request for permission for use of a part of the plurality of applications from a second image processing device of the plurality of image processing devices. Receiving process,
When the license request unit of the first image processing apparatus receives the use permission request, the license requesting the license management server to use the partial image for the second image processing apparatus. The required process,
A second receiving step in which a second receiving means of the license management server receives the use permission request from the first image processing apparatus;
When the first license management means of the license management server receives the use permission request, based on the identification information of the first image processing apparatus that has transmitted the use permission request and the license management state, A determination is made as to whether or not the application permits use of the image processing apparatus. If it is determined that the application is not authorized, a first use is granted to the second image processing apparatus. The license management process;
When the first transmission unit of the first image processing apparatus permits use of the partial application by the license management server, the license information is sent to the second image processing apparatus. A first transmission step of transmitting;
A fourth receiving step in which a fourth receiving means of the second image processing apparatus receives the license information from the first image processing apparatus;
A license management method comprising: A license management method executed by an image processing apparatus connected to a license management server,
The image processing apparatus includes first storage means for storing license information indicating use permission of a plurality of applications,
A first receiving step in which the first receiving unit receives a request for permission of use of a part of the plurality of applications from another image processing device among the plurality of image processing devices;
A license requesting step for requesting the license management server to use the part of the application from the other image processing device when the license requesting unit receives the use permission request;
A first transmission step of transmitting the license information to the other image processing apparatus when the first transmission unit permits use of the part of the application by the license management server; ,
A license management method comprising: A license management method executed by a license management server connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses,
The license management server stores identification information of the image processing apparatus that stores license information indicating use permission of a plurality of applications, and a license management state in which the license information is associated with the use permission status of the application. Comprising second storage means;
A second receiving step in which a second receiving means receives the use permission request from the first image processing apparatus among the image processing apparatuses of the multifunction peripheral;
When the first license management means receives the use permission request, the application recognizes the image based on the identification information of the first image processing apparatus that has transmitted the use permission request and the license management state. A determination is made as to whether or not a license has been granted to the processing device, and if it is determined that the license has not been granted, a second license is granted to the second image processing device among the plurality of image processing devices. 1 license management process;
A license management method comprising: A license management method executed in a license management system comprising a plurality of image processing devices and a license management server connected to the plurality of image processing devices,
Among the plurality of image processing devices, a first image processing device includes license information indicating use permission of a plurality of applications, identification information of the first image processing device storing the license information, and the license information. A third storage unit that stores a license management state that associates the usage permission status of the application;
A fourth transmission step in which a fourth transmission unit of the second image processing apparatus among the plurality of image processing apparatuses transmits a use permission request for the partial application to the first image processing apparatus; ,
A first receiving step in which a first receiving unit of the first image processing apparatus receives a request for use permission for a part of the plurality of applications from the second image processing apparatus;
When the second license management means of the first image processing apparatus receives the use permission request, the application is based on the identification information of the second image processing apparatus and the license management state. Determines whether or not the image processing apparatus has been licensed, and if it is determined that the license has not been licensed, the second license management performs license to the second image processing apparatus. Process,
When the third transmission step of the first image processing apparatus performs the use permission, the license information is transmitted to the second image processing apparatus, and the partial license is transmitted to the license management server. A third transmission step of transmitting the fact that
A fourth receiving step in which a fourth receiving means of the second image processing apparatus receives the license information from the first image processing apparatus;
A license management method comprising: A license management method executed by an image processing apparatus connected to a license management server,
The first image processing device of the plurality of image processing devices includes license information indicating use permission of a plurality of applications, identification information of the first image processing device that stores the license information, and the application in the license information. A third storage unit that stores a license management state that associates the use permission state of
The first receiving means of the first image processing device receives a request for permission for use of a part of the plurality of applications from a second image processing device of the plurality of image processing devices. Receiving process,
When the second license management means of the first image processing apparatus receives the use permission request, the application is based on the identification information of the second image processing apparatus and the license management state. Determines whether or not the image processing apparatus is licensed, and if it is determined that the license is not licensed, the second image processing apparatus is licensed for use among the plurality of image processing apparatuses. A second license management step to be performed;
When the third transmission unit of the first image processing apparatus grants the use permission, the license information is transmitted to the second image processing apparatus, and further, the part of the license information is transmitted to the license management server. A third transmission step of transmitting information that the license has been used;
A license management method comprising: A first reception step of receiving a request for permission of use for a part of the plurality of applications from another image processing apparatus among the plurality of image processing apparatuses;
A license requesting step of requesting the license management server connected to the plurality of image processing apparatuses for permission to use the part of the application from the other image processing apparatus when the license request is received;
A first transmission step of transmitting the license information to the other image processing apparatus when the license management server permits use of the part of the application;
License management program that causes a computer to execute A second receiving step of receiving use permission requests for a plurality of applications from the first image processing device among the plurality of image processing devices;
When the use permission request is received, the application grants the use permission to the image processing apparatus based on the identification information of the first image processing apparatus that has transmitted the use permission request and the license management state. A first license management step of determining whether or not to permit use of the second image processing apparatus among the plurality of image processing apparatuses when it is determined that the use is not permitted;
License management program that causes a computer to execute A first reception step of receiving a request for permission of use for a part of the plurality of applications from another image processing apparatus among the plurality of image processing apparatuses;
Whether or not the application has granted a license to the image processing apparatus based on the identification information of the other image processing apparatus and the license management state when the use permission request is received. A second license management step for performing a license for the other image processing apparatus when it is determined that the license is not licensed;
A third transmission step of transmitting the license information to the other image processing apparatus when the license is granted, and further transmitting that the partial license is used to the license management server;
License management program that causes a computer to execute   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 13.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 14.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 15.

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