JP6287873B2 - Distribution data management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a distribution data management system, and more particularly to a technique for updating the number of times distribution data can be printed.

  Conventionally, a content server (hereinafter referred to as distribution server) that distributes content data such as technical documents and technical drawings (hereinafter referred to as distribution data) and an image forming apparatus are connected to a network and distributed from the distribution server. 2. Description of the Related Art A distribution data management system that prints distributed distribution data in an image forming apparatus is known. In addition, as described in Patent Document 1 below, a technique for limiting the number of prints of distribution data to a predetermined number in such a distribution data management system is known.

JP 2011-49811 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, when the number of times distribution data is printed reaches a predetermined number, distribution data cannot be printed thereafter. Therefore, in order to further print the distribution data, the distribution data that has not reached the predetermined number of times of printing is re-purchased from the content provider that provides the distribution data, and the re-purchased distribution data is sent to the distribution server. It took time to remember again.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and increases the number of times that the distribution data can be printed with respect to distribution data that is stored in the management server and has a limited number of times that printing is possible. An object of the present invention is to provide a distribution data management system that can reduce the time and effort required for the process.

A distribution data management system according to the present invention is a distribution data management system in which a management server that stores distribution data, a provision server that provides the distribution data, and an image forming apparatus that prints the distribution data can communicate with each other. The distribution data includes a limit number indicating the number of times that the distribution data can be printed, and link information necessary for communication with the distribution server that provides the distribution data, and the distribution server includes the distribution data When receiving a purchase instruction for a program for increasing the predetermined number of times included in the data a predetermined number of times, an order receiving unit that returns order screen information indicating an order screen in which order information necessary for purchase of the program can be input When the order information is replied, after executing the predetermined purchase process of the program using the replied order information, the program A providing unit that returns a gram, and the image forming apparatus acquires the distribution data stored in the management server, and prints the printing of the distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit And an input of a purchase instruction for the program for increasing the limit number included in the distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit, and the received purchase instruction is included in the distribution data An instruction receiving unit that transmits to the providing server using the link information, and an input of the order information using the order screen indicated by the order screen information returned by the providing server, and the received order an order receiving unit to reply to the offer server information, using the program that has been returned by the providing server, to the acquisition unit The limit number contained in the acquired distribution data increases the predetermined number of times, and a increase unit configured to transmit the distribution data after increasing the limit number to the management server, the management server An update unit that updates the same distribution data as the distribution data stored in the management server by the distribution data transmitted by the increase unit .

  According to this configuration, the user purchases a program for increasing the limit count included in the distribution data after performing an operation of acquiring the distribution data stored in the management server in the image forming apparatus. Performing an operation to input the order information necessary for purchasing the program using the order screen indicated by the order screen information returned from the providing server, without performing any operation after that. be able to.

  In addition, the user can purchase the program from the providing server only by inputting the order information using the order screen, and without performing any operation after that, and the purchaser can purchase the program. It is possible to increase the limit number included in the same distribution data as the acquired distribution data stored in the management server using the program.

  Conventionally, in order to increase the number of times that the distribution data can be printed with respect to the distribution data stored in the management server and limited in the number of times that the distribution data can be printed, After performing a predetermined purchase procedure for repurchasing the same distribution data as the distribution data, the number of printable times is larger than the distribution data, and further storing the repurchased distribution data in the management server I had to spend a lot of time.

  However, according to this configuration, as described above, the user simply performs an operation of inputting a program purchase instruction and an operation of inputting order information in the image forming apparatus, and the user is stored in the management server. The number of times the distribution data can be printed can be increased. As described above, according to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required to increase the number of times that the distribution data can be printed for the distribution data in which the number of times that the distribution data can be printed is limited. .

  The image forming apparatus further includes a frequency notification unit that transmits the number of times the distribution data is printed by the printing unit to the management server, and the management server receives the distribution data from the frequency notification unit. When receiving the number of times printing has been performed, the management server may further include a reducing unit that reduces the number of times the received number of times is included in the same distribution data as the distribution data. Good.

  Further, according to this configuration, the limit number of times included in the distribution data can be reduced by the number of times the distribution data is printed by the printing unit. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the distribution data is printed carelessly.

  In addition, a terminal device is connected to the distribution data management system so that communication is possible. The terminal device acquires a terminal side acquisition unit that acquires the distribution data stored in the management server, and the terminal side acquisition unit Receiving an input of a purchase instruction of the program for increasing the limit number included in the distribution data acquired by the image data, and the image formation with the received purchase instruction together with the link information included in the distribution data A terminal-side instruction receiving unit that transmits to the device, and the instruction receiving unit receives the received purchase instruction when receiving the program purchase instruction and the link information from the terminal device. A transfer process for transmitting to the providing server using link information is executed, and the order receiving unit is configured to execute a transfer process when the instruction receiving unit executes the transfer process. The order screen information returned by the providing server is sent back to the terminal device, and the terminal device uses the order screen indicated by the order screen information sent back by the image forming device. A terminal-side order receiving unit that receives an input and returns the received order information to the image forming apparatus; and when the instruction receiving unit executes the transfer process, the order receiving unit The returned order information may be returned to the providing server.

  According to this configuration, the user performs an operation to acquire distribution data stored in the management server in the terminal device, and then purchases a program to increase the limit number included in the distribution data. You can enter the order information necessary for the purchase of the program using the order screen indicated by the order screen information returned from the providing server. Can do.

  In addition, the user can purchase the program from the providing server only by inputting the order information using the order screen, and without performing any operation after that, and the purchaser can purchase the program. It is possible to increase the limit number included in the same distribution data as the acquired distribution data stored in the management server using the program.

  Conventionally, in order to increase the number of times that the distribution data can be printed with respect to the distribution data stored in the management server and limited in the number of times that the distribution data can be printed, After performing a predetermined purchase procedure for repurchasing the same distribution data as the distribution data, the number of printable times is larger than the distribution data, and further storing the repurchased distribution data in the management server I had to spend a lot of time.

  However, according to this configuration, as described above, the user can perform distribution stored in the management server only by performing an operation of inputting a program purchase instruction and an operation of inputting order information in the terminal device. The number of times data can be printed can be increased. As described above, according to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required to increase the number of times that the distribution data can be printed for the distribution data in which the number of times that the distribution data can be printed is limited. .

  Further, the order information includes personal information of a user who purchases the program, the image forming apparatus further includes a storage unit, and the order receiving unit returns the order information to the providing server. In addition, the order information may be stored in the storage unit, and the personal information stored in the storage unit may be deleted when the program is returned.

  According to this configuration, after the program is returned to the image forming apparatus and the personal information necessary for purchasing the program becomes unnecessary, the possibility that the personal information remains in the storage unit can be reduced. . Thereby, the risk of leaking personal information can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a distribution data management system capable of reducing the effort required to increase the number of times that the distribution data can be printed with respect to distribution data that is stored in the management server and is limited in the number of times that the distribution data can be printed. Can be provided.

It is a schematic block diagram of the delivery data management system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the delivery data based on one Embodiment of this invention memorize | stored in the management server which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the sales price of the program which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and purchase conditions. It is a figure which shows the order screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which acquires delivery data. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which prints delivery data. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the first half of the operation | movement which increases the frequency | count of limitation contained in delivery data. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the second half of the operation | movement which increases the frequency | count of limitation contained in delivery data.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a distribution data management system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a distribution data management system 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a distribution data management system 9 includes a content server 1 (management server) that stores content data (distribution data) representing content such as technical documents and technical drawings, and a provider server 2 that provides content data. (Providing server), multifunction device 3 (image forming device), and personal computer 4 (terminal device). Hereinafter, the personal computer 4 is abbreviated as PC4.

  The content server 1, the provider server 2, the multifunction device 3 and the PC 4 are configured to be communicable via a network 90 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

  Hereinafter, the configuration related to the content data in the content server 1, the provider server 2, the multifunction device 3 and the PC 4 will be described in detail.

  The content server 1 includes a storage unit 12, a communication unit 11, and a control unit 10.

  The storage unit 12 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like. The storage unit 12 stores a control program for performing operation control of each unit in the content server 1. The storage unit 12 stores content data purchased by a user from a content provider having the provider server 2 by performing a predetermined purchase procedure.

  For example, the content provider stores the purchased content data in a storage medium such as a DVD and distributes it to the purchaser, or causes the purchaser to download the purchased content data using the provider server 2. The purchased content data is provided to the purchaser. The content data providing method by the content provider is not limited to these, and may be another known providing method.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of content data stored in the content server 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 12 stores a data ID for identifying content data and content data in association with each other. The operation of storing the content data in the storage unit 12 is performed by an operation of an operation unit (not shown) provided in the content server 1 by a user such as an administrator of the distribution data management system 9 or a purchaser of the content data.

  The content data includes a content ID for identifying content such as a technical document and a technical drawing, binary data representing the content, a limited number of times that the content can be printed, and the provider of the content data Link information necessary for communication with the provider server 2 is included. Hereinafter, printing the content identified by the content ID included in the content data is abbreviated as printing the content data.

  The link information includes a URL indicating a print frequency increasing service provided by the provider server 2 that provides the content data, a purchaser ID, and a password. The purchaser ID and password are an ID and a password for identifying a purchaser who has purchased content data from the provider server 2.

  The print frequency increasing service is a Web service that can be used when a user identified by a purchaser ID and a password communicates with the provider server 2 via the network 90. The printing frequency increasing service is a Web service that sells an update program (program) for increasing the limited number of times included in the content data a predetermined number of times. Details of the printing frequency increase service will be described later.

  For example, FIG. 2 shows a content ID “C11”, binary data representing the content identified by the content ID “C11”, a limited number of times “LA11”, and a URL “http: //xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx1/service”. ”, Content information including link information including a purchaser ID“ userA ”and a password“ **** ”is stored in the storage unit 12 in association with the data ID“ D1 ”. Show.

  Also, FIG. 2 shows a content ID “C11”, binary data representing the content identified by the content ID “C11”, the limit number “LB11”, and the URL “http: //xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx1/service”. ”, Content data including link information including a purchaser ID“ userB ”and a password“ **** ”are stored in the storage unit 12 in association with the data ID“ D2 ”. Show.

  Thus, the content data corresponding to the data ID “D1” and the content data corresponding to the data ID “D2” include binary data representing the content identified by the same content ID “C11”. However, since they were purchased by different purchasers, they are stored in the storage unit 12 in association with different data IDs. Hereinafter, binary data representing content is referred to as content binary data.

  The storage unit 12 stores a number limit program for reducing the specified number of times included in the content data. The number limit program is provided when content data is provided from a content provider.

  The communication unit 11 is a communication interface circuit used when communicating with the provider server 2, the multifunction machine 3, and the PC 4 via the network 90.

  The control unit 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and peripheral circuits thereof, and performs operation control of each unit in the content server 1.

  The control unit 10 functions as the distribution unit 101, the reduction unit 102, and the update unit 103 by causing the CPU to execute the control program stored in the storage unit 12.

  The distribution unit 101 acquires content data requested from the multifunction device 3 and the PC 4 from the storage unit 12, and returns the acquired content data to the requesting multifunction device 3 or PC 4.

  Specifically, when the list transmission request information indicating the content data list transmission request is received by the communication unit 11, the distribution unit 101 uses the communication unit 11 to store the data stored in the storage unit 12. The contents list information in which the ID list is associated with the content ID and purchaser ID included in the content data associated with each data ID is returned.

  When the communication unit 11 receives the transmission request information indicating the content data transmission request, the distribution unit 101 associates the data ID included in the received transmission request information with the storage unit 12. The stored content data is acquired. Then, the distribution unit 101 uses the communication unit 11 to return the acquired content data.

  When the content data distributed by the distribution unit 101 is printed by the multifunction device 3, the reduction unit 102 is stored in the storage unit 12 and included in the same content data as the distributed content data. The number of times is reduced by the number of times the distributed content data is printed.

  Specifically, it is assumed that the content data corresponding to the data ID “D1” distributed by the distribution unit 101 is printed in the multifunction device 3. In this case, as will be described later, the communication unit 11 receives print result information described later transmitted by a frequency notification unit 305 described later. The print result information includes a data ID corresponding to the printed content data and the number of times the content data has been printed.

  In this case, the reduction unit 102 acquires content data stored in the storage unit 12 in association with the data ID “D1” included in the received print result information. Further, the reduction unit 102 acquires from the storage unit 12 a number limit program for decreasing the limit number included in the content data. Then, the reduction unit 102 causes the CPU to execute the acquired number limit program to reduce the limit number included in the acquired content data to the number included in the received print result information. .

  The update unit 103 updates the same content data as the transmitted content data stored in the storage unit 12 with the content data transmitted by the multifunction machine 3.

  Specifically, it is assumed that the communication unit 11 has received update request information indicating a content data update request transmitted from the multifunction device 3. The update request information includes a data ID and content data.

  In this case, the update unit 103 updates the content data stored in the storage unit 12 in association with the data ID included in the update request information with the content data included in the update request information.

  Next, the configuration of the provider server 2 will be described. The provider server 2 includes a storage unit 22, a communication unit 21, and a control unit 20.

  The storage unit 22 includes an HDD or the like. The storage unit 22 stores a control program for controlling the operation of each unit in the provider server 2, an application program for performing a print frequency increasing service, and the like.

  The storage unit 22 also associates the purchaser ID and password for identifying the purchaser entered by the purchaser of the content data during the predetermined purchase procedure of the content data with the content ID included in the content data. Is remembered.

  In addition, the storage unit 22 stores an update program (program) that increases the limit count included in the content data provided by the provider server 2 a predetermined number of times, and a selling price and purchase conditions of the update program. .

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the selling price and purchase conditions of the update program according to the embodiment of the present invention. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the storage unit 22 stores the sales price “10 yen” of the update program for increasing the limit count included in the content data including the content ID “C11” by one. ing. Similarly, the sales price “40 yen” of the update program for increasing the limit count by 5 times is stored, and the sales price “80 yen” of the update program for increasing the limit count by 10 times is stored. The selling price “160 yen” of the update program for increasing 20 times is stored.

  Although not shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 22 stores four update programs for increasing the limit count by 1, 5, 10, 20 times.

  The storage unit 22 stores a purchase condition “purchased until MM month DD date in YYYY” as a purchase condition for purchasing an update program for increasing the limit number of times 1, 5, 10, 20 times. ing. In other words, an update program for increasing the limit count included in the content data including the content ID “C11” by 1, 5, 10, 20 can be purchased until MM month DD date in YYYY.

  The communication unit 21 is a communication interface circuit used when communicating with the content server 1, the multifunction peripheral 3, and the PC 4 via the network 90.

  The control unit 20 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and peripheral circuits thereof. The control unit 20 controls the operation of each unit in the provider server 2 by causing the CPU to execute a control program stored in the storage unit 22.

  Further, the control unit 20 functions as a printing frequency increasing service by causing the CPU to execute an application program for performing the printing frequency increasing service stored in the storage unit 22. The printing frequency increase service functions as the order receiving unit 201 and the providing unit 202.

  The order receiving unit 201 returns order screen information when the communication unit 21 receives purchase instruction information indicating a purchase instruction of an update program for increasing the limit number of times included in the content data by a predetermined number of times. The order screen information is information indicating an order screen in which order information necessary for purchasing the update program can be input.

  Specifically, in the MFP 3, as described later, the destination is the print frequency increasing service indicated by the URL in the link information included in the content data, and the update is performed together with the purchaser ID and password in the link information. Purchase instruction information indicating a program purchase instruction is transmitted. The purchase instruction information includes a content ID included in the content data.

  Thus, when the purchaser ID and password and the purchase instruction information are received by the communication unit 21, the order receiving unit 201 receives the purchaser ID and password received by the communication unit 21. It is determined whether it is stored in the storage unit 22 in association with the content ID included in the instruction information. The order receiving unit 201 authenticates whether or not the user identified by the purchaser ID and password is a user who can use the print frequency increasing service according to the determination result.

  Assume that the order receiving unit 201 authenticates that the user identified by the purchaser ID and password is a user who can use the print frequency increasing service. In this case, the order receiving unit 201 associates the content ID included in the received purchase instruction information with information such as the selling price and purchase conditions of each update program stored in the storage unit 22 (FIG. 3). ) To get.

  Then, the order receiving unit 201 generates order screen information using information such as the sales price and purchase conditions of each acquired update program. Then, using the communication unit 21, the order receiving unit 201 returns the generated order screen information to the multifunction device 3.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an order screen W according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, purchase instruction information including the content ID “C11” is received by the communication unit 21, and the order receiving unit 201 is a service for increasing the number of prints by the user identified by the purchaser ID and password received by the communication unit 21. Authenticate that you can use.

  In this case, the order receiving unit 201 uses the information stored in the storage unit 22 in association with the content ID “C11” as shown in FIG. Column information is generated, and the character string information is returned as order screen information.

  For example, the order receiving unit 201 increases the selling price M and purchase conditions of four update programs for increasing the number of times of limitation included in the content data including the content ID “C11” stored in the storage unit 22. The order screen W is configured to display C. Further, the order receiving unit 201 configures the order screen W so that an update program to be purchased and a payment method for the purchase price of the update program can be input as order information.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the order screen W includes four update programs for increasing the limit number of content data including the content ID “C11” by 1, 5, 10, 20 times. The sales price M “10 yen” “40 yen” “80 yen” “160 yen” is displayed. Further, on the order screen W, the purchase condition C “Purchased until MM month DD day of YYYY” of the four update programs is displayed.

  Further, on the order screen W, four radio buttons R1 to R4 associated with each of the four update programs are displayed. For example, the radio button R1 is associated with an update program for increasing the limit number by one. Of the four radio buttons R1 to R4, only one of the radio buttons can be selected. In other words, the order screen W selects any one of the four radio buttons R1 to R4, and the update program corresponding to the selected radio button is selected as the update program to be purchased. It is configured to allow input.

  The order screen W includes three radio buttons corresponding to the three payment methods “credit card”, “coin vendor”, and “card vendor (prepaid card payment)” as payment methods for the purchase price of the update program. R5 to R7 are displayed. For example, the radio button R6 is associated with the payment method “coin vendor”. Of the three radio buttons R5 to R7, only one of the radio buttons can be selected. In other words, the order screen W selects one of the three radio buttons R5 to R7 to change the payment method corresponding to the selected radio button to the payment for the purchase price of the update program. It is configured to be input as a method.

  In addition, when the radio button R5 is selected and the payment method “credit card” is input as the payment method for the purchase price of the update program, the order screen W displays the detailed contents of the payment method “credit card”. The three additional information “card number”, “card holder”, and “expiration date” (personal information of the user) can be input as order information.

  On the order screen W, an OK button B1 and a close button B2 are displayed. When the OK button B1 is operated, the content of the order information input using the order screen W is confirmed. When the close button B2 is operated, the order screen W is not displayed, and the content of the input order information is canceled (invalidated).

  Next, the providing unit 202 will be described. When the order information input using the order screen W indicated by the order screen information is returned after the order screen information is returned by the order receiving unit 201, the communication unit 21 receives the returned order information. In this case, the providing unit 202 uses the received order information to execute a predetermined purchase process for the purchase target update program included in the received order information. The purchase process includes, for example, a well-known clearing process corresponding to the payment method for the purchase price of the update program included in the received order information. After executing the purchase process, the providing unit 202 returns the purchase target update program included in the order information.

  Next, the configuration of the multifunction machine 3 will be described. A coin vendor 5 and a card vendor 6 are connected to the multifunction machine 3. The multifunction machine 3 includes a storage unit 35, a communication unit 34, an operation unit 33, an image reading unit 32, an image forming unit 31 (printing unit), and a control unit 30.

  The coin vendor 5 has a known configuration for collecting coins and / or bills corresponding to the amount designated by the control unit 30. The coin vendor 5 notifies the control unit 30 that the collection is completed when the collection of coins and / or bills corresponding to the designated amount is completed.

  The card vendor 6 has a well-known configuration of collecting a fee of a designated amount by reducing the amount written on the prepaid card by an amount designated by the control unit 30. When the card vendor 6 finishes collecting the charge for the specified amount, the card vendor 6 notifies the control unit 30 that the reduction has ended.

  The storage unit 35 is composed of an HDD or the like. The storage unit 35 stores a control program for performing operation control of each unit in the multifunction machine 3. The storage unit 35 temporarily stores order information to be described later.

  The communication unit 34 is a communication interface circuit used when communicating with the content server 1, the provider server 2, and the PC 4 via the network 90.

  The operation unit 33 is provided to allow the user to perform various operations of the multifunction machine 3. Specifically, the operation unit 33 includes an unillustrated touch panel device, operation keys, and the like.

  The touch panel device includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display. The touch panel device has a capacitive touch panel function. The touch panel function is displayed on the display unit that is touched by the user using the indicator based on the change in capacitance that occurs when the user brings the indicator such as a finger or pen close to the display unit. This function detects screen components such as soft keys. Note that the touch panel function is not limited to the capacitive method, and may be, for example, an ultrasonic method or an optical method. The operation keys include, for example, a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values and symbols. That is, the user can operate the multifunction device 3 by touching the display unit or operating the operation keys.

  The image reading unit 32 includes an unillustrated optical system unit having an unillustrated CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line sensor, an exposure lamp, and the like.

  The image reading unit 32 executes image reading processing under the control of the control unit 30. The image reading process is a process of generating image data representing an image of an original by causing the optical system unit to read the image of the original.

  The image forming unit 31 has a known configuration including a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, a discharge unit, and the like. The image forming unit 31 executes print processing under the control of the control unit 30. The printing process is a process of forming an image represented by the image data generated by the image reading unit 32 and a content represented by the content binary data included in the content data on a sheet.

  The control unit 30 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and peripheral circuits thereof. The control unit 30 controls the operation of each unit in the multifunction machine 3 by causing the CPU to execute a control program stored in the storage unit 35.

  In addition, the control unit 30 functions as an acquisition unit 301, an instruction reception unit 302, an order reception unit 303, an increase unit 304, and a number notification unit 305 by causing the CPU to execute a control program stored in the storage unit 35. To do.

  The acquisition unit 301 acquires content data stored in the content server 1.

  Specifically, when a content data acquisition instruction is input by the user operating the operation unit 33, the acquisition unit 301 transmits list transmission request information to the content server 1 using the communication unit 34. When the content list information is received by the communication unit 34 after the list transmission request information is transmitted, the acquisition unit 301 associates the data ID, the content ID, and the purchaser ID included in the received content list information. In addition, a list is displayed on the display unit provided in the operation unit 33. Hereinafter, the display unit provided in the operation unit 33 is simply referred to as a display unit.

  Then, when any data ID displayed on the display unit is selected by the operation of the operation unit 33 by the user, the acquisition unit 301 uses the communication unit 34 to transmit the transmission request information including the selected data ID. To the content server 1. After that, when the content data returned from the content server 1 is received by the communication unit 34, the acquisition unit 301 acquires the received content data.

  The instruction receiving unit 302 receives an input of an instruction to purchase an update program for increasing the limit number included in the content data acquired by the acquiring unit 301. In this case, the instruction receiving unit 302 transmits purchase instruction information indicating a purchase instruction for the received update program to the provider server 2 using the link information included in the content data. The purchase instruction information includes a data ID corresponding to the content data acquired by the acquisition unit 301 and a content ID included in the content data.

  Specifically, when receiving an input of an update program purchase instruction, the instruction receiving unit 302 uses the print frequency increasing service indicated by the URL in the link information included in the content data as a destination, and purchases in the link information. The purchase instruction information is transmitted using the communication unit 34 together with the user ID and password.

  Next, the order receiving unit 303 will be described. It is assumed that after the purchaser ID, password, and purchase instruction information are transmitted by the instruction receiving unit 302, the communication unit 34 receives the order screen information returned from the order receiving unit 201 of the provider server 2.

  In this case, the order receiving unit 303 displays the order screen W indicated by the order screen information on the display unit. Then, when the order information is input using the order screen W by the operation of the operation unit 33 by the user and the content of the order information is confirmed, the order receiving unit 303 receives the input of the order information.

  For example, it is assumed that the order receiving unit 303 displays the order screen W shown in FIG. 4 indicated by the order screen information received by the communication unit 34 on the display unit. Then, it is assumed that, as shown in FIG. 4, the radio button R3 is selected by the user's operation of the operation unit 33, the radio button R6 is selected, and then the OK button B1 is operated. In this case, the order receiving unit 303 receives an input of an update program that increases the limit number corresponding to the radio button R3 by 10 as an update program to be purchased included in the order information. Further, the order receiving unit 303 receives an input of a payment method “coin vendor” corresponding to the radio button R6 as a payment method for the purchase price of the update program included in the order information.

  Then, the order receiving unit 303 stores the received order information in the storage unit 35 and then returns the received order information to the provider server 2 using the communication unit 34. In other words, the order receiving unit 303 stores the received order information in the storage unit 35 before returning the received order information to the provider server 2.

  When the order receiving unit 303 returns the received order information to the provider server 2, if any abnormality occurs in the network 90 and communication with the provider server 2 is temporarily interrupted, for example, an abnormality The order information stored in the storage unit 35 is retransmitted at a predetermined time such as when a predetermined time has elapsed since the occurrence. This reduces the time and effort required for the user to input the order information again.

  In addition, when the payment method for the purchase price of the received update program is “coin vendor”, the order reception unit 303 displays a coin corresponding to the purchase price of the received update program to be purchased displayed on the order screen, After the banknote is collected by the coin vendor 5 and the collection is notified, the received order information is returned.

  Similarly, when the payment method of the purchase price of the received update program is “card vendor”, the order reception unit 303 displays the amount indicated by the purchase price of the received update program to be purchased displayed on the order screen. The fee is collected by the card vendor 6, and after the collection is notified, the received order information is returned.

  When the communication unit 34 receives the update program returned by the providing unit 202 after the order information is returned, the order receiving unit 303 includes three payment methods “credit card” in the order information stored in the storage unit 35. If the additional information “card number”, “card holder”, and “expiration date” are included, the three additional information “card number”, “card holder”, and “expiration date” are deleted. .

  Next, the increase unit 304 will be described. It is assumed that the communication unit 34 receives the update program returned by the providing unit 202 after the order information is returned by the order receiving unit 303. In this case, the increase unit 304 uses the update program received by the communication unit 34 to store the limit number of times included in the same content data stored in the content server 1 as the content data acquired by the acquisition unit 301. Is increased a predetermined number of times.

  Specifically, the increasing unit 304 transmits transmission request information including the data ID included in the purchase instruction information used by the instruction receiving unit 302 to the content server 1. In response to this, the distribution unit 101 returns content data corresponding to the data ID stored in the storage unit 12. In other words, the distribution unit 101 returns the same content data stored in the content server 1 as the content data acquired by the acquisition unit 301.

  When the returned content data is received by the communication unit 34, the increase unit 304 executes the update program received by the communication unit 34, thereby reducing the limit number of times included in the received content data. The number increases a predetermined number of times according to the update program. For example, when the update program executed by the increasing unit 304 is an update program for increasing the limit number of times by 10, the limit number is increased by 10 times according to the update program.

  Then, the increasing unit 304 transmits update request information including the content data and the data ID after increasing the limit number to the content server 1. In response to this, in the content server 1, the updating unit 103 sets the limit number included in the update request information to the content data stored in the storage unit 12 in association with the data ID included in the update request information. Update with the increased content data. As a result, the limited number of times included in the same content data as the content data acquired by the acquisition unit 301 stored in the content server 1 is increased a predetermined number of times.

  The frequency notification unit 305 transmits, to the content server 1, print result information including the number of times content data has been printed by the image forming unit 31 and the data ID corresponding to the content data using the communication unit 34. To do.

  For example, it is assumed that the image forming unit 31 performs the printing process for forming the image represented by the content binary data included in the content data on paper twice. In this case, the frequency notification unit 305 uses the communication unit 34 to print the result including the number of times “2 times” the content data has been printed by the image forming unit 31 and the data ID corresponding to the content data. Information is transmitted to the content server 1. In response to this, in the content server 1, the reduction unit 102 sets the limit number included in the content data stored in the storage unit 12 in association with the data ID included in the print result information. The number of times included in the print result information decreases.

  Next, the configuration of the PC 4 will be described. The PC 4 includes a storage unit 45, a communication unit 44, an operation unit 43, and a control unit 40.

  The storage unit 45 includes an HDD or the like. The storage unit 45 stores a control program for performing operation control of each unit in the PC 4.

  The communication unit 44 is a communication interface circuit used when communicating with the content server 1, the provider server 2, and the multifunction device 3 via the network 90.

  The operation unit 43 is provided to allow the user to perform various operations on the PC 4. Specifically, the operation unit 43 includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display (not shown), a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

  The control unit 40 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and peripheral circuits thereof. The control unit 40 controls the operation of each unit in the PC 4 by causing the CPU to execute a control program stored in the storage unit 45.

  Further, the control unit 40 causes the CPU to execute a control program stored in the storage unit 45, thereby obtaining an acquisition unit 401 (terminal side acquisition unit), an instruction reception unit 402 (terminal side instruction reception unit), an order reception unit. Functions as 403 (terminal side order receiving unit).

  The acquisition unit 401 acquires content data stored in the content server 1 by the same method as the acquisition unit 301 included in the multifunction machine 3.

  That is, when a content data acquisition instruction is input by the user operating the operation unit 43, the acquisition unit 401 transmits the list transmission request information to the content server 1 using the communication unit 44. When the content list information is received by the communication unit 44 after the transmission of the list transmission request information, the acquisition unit 401 displays the data ID, content ID, and purchaser ID included in the received content list information. A list is displayed on the display unit provided in the operation unit 43 in association with each other. Hereinafter, the display unit provided in the operation unit 43 is referred to as a PC display unit.

  Then, when any data ID displayed on the PC display unit is selected by the operation of the operation unit 43 by the user, the acquisition unit 401 sends the transmission request information including the selected data ID to the communication unit 44. Used to transmit to the content server 1. When the content data returned from the content server 1 is received by the communication unit 44, the acquisition unit 401 acquires the received content data.

  The instruction receiving unit 402 receives an input of a purchase instruction for an update program for increasing the limit number included in the content data acquired by the acquiring unit 401. In this case, the instruction receiving unit 402 transmits purchase instruction information indicating a purchase instruction for the received update program and link information included in the content data to the multi function device 3 using the communication unit 44. The purchase instruction information includes a data ID corresponding to the content data acquired by the acquisition unit 401 and a content ID included in the content data.

  In accordance with this, the instruction receiving unit 302 of the multifunction machine 3 is configured to execute a transfer process when the communication unit 34 receives the purchase instruction information and the link information transmitted from the PC 4. Yes. The transfer process is a process of transmitting the received purchase instruction information to the provider server 2 using the received link information.

  Specifically, in the transfer process, the instruction receiving unit 302 uses the print number increasing service indicated by the URL in the link information received by the communication unit 34 as a destination, along with the purchaser ID and password in the link information. The received purchase instruction information is transmitted.

  The order receiving unit 303 of the multifunction machine 3 receives the order screen information returned from the order receiving unit 201 of the provider server 2 when the instruction receiving unit 302 executes the transfer process. The order screen information is sent back to the PC 4 using the communication unit 34.

  Next, the order receiving unit 403 will be described. It is assumed that after the purchaser ID, password, and purchase instruction information are transmitted by the instruction receiving unit 402, the communication unit 44 receives the order screen information returned from the order receiving unit 303 of the multifunction machine 3.

  In this case, the order receiving unit 403 displays the order screen W indicated by the order screen information on the PC display unit. Then, when the order information is input using the order screen W by the operation of the operation unit 43 by the user and the content of the order information is confirmed, the order receiving unit 403 receives the input of the order information. Then, using the communication unit 44, the order receiving unit 403 returns the received order information to the multifunction device 3.

  It is assumed that the order receiving unit 403 displays the order screen W shown in FIG. 4 indicated by the order screen information received by the communication unit 44 on the PC display unit. In this case, since the coin vendor and the card vendor are not connected to the PC 4, even if the radio button R6 or R7 is selected, the order reception unit 403 pays the payment method “coin vendor” corresponding to the radio button R6 or R7. "The card vendor" is not accepted, and a warning message is displayed on the PC display section indicating that the payment methods "coin vendor" and "card vendor" are not accepted.

  Further, when the order receiving unit 303 of the multifunction machine 3 returns the order screen information returned by the order receiving unit 201 of the provider server 2 to the PC 4 when the instruction receiving unit 302 executes the transfer process, the communication unit 34 It is assumed that the order information returned from the PC 4 is received.

  In this case, the order receiving unit 303 is configured to store the received order information in the storage unit 35 and then return the received order information to the provider server 2 using the communication unit 34. . Further, the order receiving unit 303 is configured to delete the order information stored in the storage unit 35 even when the communication unit 34 receives the update program returned by the providing unit 202 after returning the order information. ing.

  Hereinafter, an operation for printing the content data acquired from the content server 1 and an operation for increasing the limit number included in the content data in the PC 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of acquiring content data. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of printing content data. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an operation of increasing the limit number included in the content data.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when content data acquisition instruction is input by the operation of the operation unit 43 by the user in the PC 4, the acquisition unit 401 transmits list transmission request information to the content server 1 (S <b> 1).

  In the content server 1, when the list transmission request information is received by the communication unit 11, the distribution unit 101 includes the list of data IDs stored in the storage unit 12 and the content data associated with each data ID. The content list information in which the content ID and the purchaser ID are associated with each other is returned (S2).

  In the PC 4, when the content list information is received by the communication unit 44, the acquisition unit 401 associates the data ID, the content ID, and the purchaser ID included in the received content list information, A list is displayed on the display unit (S3). When any data ID displayed on the PC display unit is selected by the operation of the operation unit 43 by the user (S4), the acquisition unit 401 sets the transmission request information including the selected data ID as content. It transmits to the server 1 (S5).

  In the content server 1, when the transmission request information is received by the communication unit 11, the distribution unit 101 stores the content stored in the storage unit 12 in association with the data ID included in the received transmission request information. Data is acquired, and the acquired content data is returned (S6).

  In the PC 4, when the content data is received by the communication unit 44, the acquisition unit 401 acquires the received content data, and displays the content represented by the content binary data included in the acquired content data on the PC display unit. (S7). At this time, the acquisition unit 401 also displays a close button, a print setting button, and a well-known screen component (such as a scroll bar) used for content browsing operation on the PC display unit. Hereinafter, a well-known screen component used for content browsing operation is referred to as a scroll component.

  And a user browses the content which the content data acquired from the content server 1 represents by operating the scroll components displayed on the PC display part using the operation part 43 (S8; browsing operation). Alternatively, the user ends the content browsing operation by operating the close button displayed on the PC display unit using the operation unit 43 (S8; close).

  On the other hand, when the user presses the print button displayed on the PC display unit using the operation unit 43 (S8; print), the control unit 40 prints when printing the content displayed on the PC display unit. A print setting screen capable of inputting conditions (for example, the number of copies, paper size, enlargement / reduction, etc.) is displayed on the PC display unit (S9).

  The print setting screen displayed in step S9 includes a limit number included in the content data acquired in step S7, and a screen component (hereinafter referred to as an input component) for performing an input operation of print conditions. An additional purchase button, a print button, and a close button are displayed.

  When the user operates the close button provided on the print setting screen using the operation unit 43 (S10; close), the control unit 40 hides the print setting screen. Thereafter, the processes after step S8 are repeated.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that the user operates the input part using the operation unit 43 to input the printing conditions and then operates the print button (S10; printing). In this case, the control unit 40 combines the print instruction information including the input printing condition, the content data acquired in step S7, and the data ID corresponding to the content data using the communication unit 44. It transmits to the machine 3 (S11).

  In the MFP 3, as shown in FIG. 6, when the print instruction information is received by the communication unit 34, the control unit 30 acquires the content data included in the received print instruction information, and the acquired content Get content binary data included in the data. Then, the control unit 30 causes the image forming unit 31 to execute a printing process for forming an image represented by the acquired content binary data on a sheet using the printing conditions included in the received print instruction information (S21). .

  Thereafter, the number notification unit 305 transmits print result information including the number of times the content data has been printed by the image forming unit 31 and the data ID corresponding to the content data to the content server 1 (S22).

For example, if the print condition included in the print instruction information indicates that two copies are to be printed, in step S21, the control unit 30 causes the image forming unit 31 to print an image represented by the content binary data on a sheet. To do twice. In this case, the frequency notification unit 305 displays “the number of times content data has been printed by the image forming unit 31 in step S <b> 22.
Print result information including “twice”.

  In the content server 1, when the print result information is received by the communication unit 11, the reduction unit 102 stores the content stored in the storage unit 12 in association with the data ID included in the received print result information. Get the data. Further, the reduction unit 102 acquires from the storage unit 12 a number limit program for decreasing the limit number included in the content data. Then, the reduction unit 102 causes the CPU to execute the acquired number limit program to reduce the limit number included in the acquired content data to the number included in the received print result information. (S23).

  After execution of step S23, step S5 (FIG. 5) is performed. In step S5, the acquisition unit 401 transmits transmission request information including the same data ID as the data ID selected in step S4. And the process after step S6 is repeated.

  Hereinafter, an operation of increasing the limit number included in the content data will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, when the user notices that the limited number of times displayed on the print setting screen is small on the PC 4, an additional purchase button provided on the print setting screen using the operation unit 43. Is operated (S10; additional purchase).

  In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the instruction receiving unit 402 receives an input of an instruction to purchase an update program for increasing the limit number included in the content data acquired by the acquiring unit 401 in step S <b> 7 ( S31). In this case, the instruction receiving unit 402 combines the purchase instruction information including the data ID corresponding to the content data and the content ID included in the content data, and the link information included in the content data. It transmits to the machine 3 (S32).

  In the MFP 3, when the purchase instruction information and the link information are received by the communication unit 34, the instruction receiving unit 302 executes a transfer process (S33). Specifically, the instruction receiving unit 302 uses the print frequency increase service indicated by the URL in the link information received by the communication unit 34 as the destination in the transfer process of step S33, and the purchaser in the received link information. The received purchase instruction information is transmitted together with the ID and password.

  In the provider server 2, when the purchaser ID, password, and purchase instruction information are received by the communication unit 21, the order receiving unit 201 increases the number of times the user identified by the received purchaser ID and password is printed. It is authenticated whether or not the user can use the service (S34).

  In step S34, the order receiving unit 201 authenticates that the user identified by the received purchaser ID and password is a user who can use the print number increasing service (S34; YES), and receives the purchase instruction information. The information such as the selling price and the purchase conditions of each update program stored in the storage unit 22 in association with the content ID included in is acquired (S35). Then, the order receiving unit 201 generates order screen information using information such as the selling price and purchase conditions of each update program acquired in step S35, and returns the generated order screen information to the multifunction machine 3 (S36). .

  In the MFP 3, when the transfer process is executed in step S33, when the order screen information is received by the communication unit 34, the order reception unit 303 returns the received order screen information to the PC 4 (S37). ).

  In the PC 4, when the order screen information is received by the communication unit 44, the order receiving unit 403 displays the order screen W indicated by the received order screen information on the PC display unit (S38).

  On the other hand, when the order receiving unit 201 authenticates in step S34 that the user identified by the received purchaser ID and password is not a user who can use the print frequency increasing service, the order receiving unit 201 blocks communication with the multifunction device 3. (S34; NO).

  In the multifunction device 3, when the transfer process is executed in step S <b> 33, if communication with the print count increasing service by the communication unit 34 is interrupted, the order receiving unit 303 warns that the print count increase service cannot be used. Is returned to the PC 4 (S40).

  In the PC 4, when the warning information is received by the communication unit 44, the order receiving unit 403 displays the received warning information on the PC display unit (S41). Thereafter, the processing after step S10 (FIG. 5) is repeated.

  In step S38, the order screen W is displayed on the PC display unit, and the user operates the operation unit 43 to hide the order screen W and cancel the contents of the order information (S39; cancel). The processes after step S10 (FIG. 5) are repeated.

  In step S38, the order screen W is displayed on the PC display unit, and the order information is input using the order screen W by the operation of the operation unit 43 by the user (S39; order information input operation). It is assumed that an operation for confirmation is performed (S39; confirmation).

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the order receiving unit 403 receives the input of the order information, and returns the received order information to the multi-function device 3 (S51).

  In the MFP 3, the transfer process is executed in step S33 (FIG. 7), the order screen information is returned to the PC 4 in step S37 (FIG. 7), and then the order information returned by the PC 4 is received by the communication unit 34. Then, the order receiving unit 303 stores the received order information in the storage unit 35 (S52). Then, the order receiving unit 303 returns the received order information to the provider server 2 (S53).

  In the provider server 2, after the order screen information is returned in step S36 (FIG. 7), when the order information returned from the MFP 3 is received by the communication unit 21, the providing unit 202 receives the received order information. The predetermined purchase process of the update program to be purchased included in the received order information is executed (S54). Then, after executing the purchase process, the providing unit 202 returns the update program to the multifunction machine 3 (S55).

  In the MFP 3, after the order information is returned by the order receiving unit 303 in step S53, when the update program returned by the providing unit 202 is received by the communication unit 34, the increasing unit 304 receives the instruction receiving unit in step S33. Transmission request information including the same data ID as the data ID included in the purchase instruction information used by 302 is transmitted to the content server 1 (S56).

  In the content server 1, when the transmission request information is received by the communication unit 11, the distribution unit 101 acquires the content data stored in the storage unit 12 in association with the data ID included in the transmission request information, The acquired content data is returned (S57).

  In the multifunction machine 3, when the content data corresponding to the data ID stored in the storage unit 12 is received by the communication unit 34, the increase unit 304 executes the update program received in step S56. (S58) The limited number of times included in the received content data is increased by a predetermined number according to the update program (S59). Then, the increase unit 304 transmits update request information including the content data and the data ID after increasing the limit number to the content server 1 (S60).

  In the content server 1, when the update request information is received by the communication unit 11, the update unit 103 associates the content data stored in the storage unit 12 with the data ID included in the update request information. Then, it is updated with the content data that has been included in the update request information and has increased the limit count (S61).

  Then, the order receiving unit 303 includes the three additional information “card number”, “card holder”, and “expiration date” of the payment method “credit card” in the order information stored in the storage unit 35 in step S52. If so, the three additional information “card number”, “card holder”, and “expiration date” are deleted (S62).

  Step S5 (FIG. 5) is performed after execution of step S61. In step S5, the acquisition unit 401 transmits transmission request information including the same data ID as the data ID selected in step S4. And the process after step S6 is repeated.

  In the following, with respect to the operation of acquiring content data from the content server 1 and printing the acquired content data and the operation of increasing the limit number included in the content data in the multifunction device 3, FIG. 5 to FIG. Only an operation different from the operation shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 1 (FIG. 5), in the multi-function device 3, when a content data acquisition instruction is input by a user operating the operation unit 33, the acquisition unit 301 transmits list transmission request information to the content server 1.

  In step S3, when the content list information is received by the communication unit 34 in the multifunction device 3, the acquisition unit 301 displays the data ID, content ID, and purchaser ID included in the received content list information in association with each other. List.

  In step S4, when any data ID displayed on the display unit is selected by the operation of the operation unit 33 by the user, in step S5, the acquisition unit 301 transmits a transmission request including the selected data ID. Information is transmitted to the content server 1.

  In step S7, when content data is received by the communication unit 34, the acquisition unit 301 acquires the received content data, and the content represented by the content binary data included in the acquired content data, a close button, and print Display setting buttons and scroll parts on the display.

  In step S <b> 8, the user browses the content represented by the content data acquired from the content server 1 by operating the scroll component displayed on the display unit using the operation unit 33. Alternatively, the user operates the close button displayed on the PC display unit using the operation unit 33 to end the content browsing operation.

  On the other hand, when the user presses the print button displayed on the PC display unit using the operation unit 33 (S8; printing), in step S9, the control unit 30 displays a print setting screen on the display unit.

  In step S10, when the user operates the close button provided on the print setting screen using the operation unit 33 (S10; close), the control unit 30 hides the print setting screen.

  When the user operates the print button after inputting the printing conditions using the operation unit 33 (S10; printing), step S11 is omitted. In step S21 (FIG. 6), the control unit 30 performs step S7. Content binary data included in the acquired content data is acquired. Then, the control unit 30 causes the image forming unit 31 to execute a printing process for forming an image represented by the acquired content binary data on a sheet using the printing conditions input in step S10.

  When the user operates the additional purchase button provided on the print setting screen using the operation unit 33 (S10; additional purchase), in step S31 (FIG. 7), the instruction receiving unit 302 acquires the acquisition unit in step S7. Input of an instruction to purchase an update program for increasing the limit number included in the content data acquired in 301 is accepted.

  In the next step S32, the instruction receiving unit 302 changes the purchase instruction information including the data ID corresponding to the content data and the content ID included in the content data to the URL in the link information included in the content data. Is sent together with the purchaser ID and password in the link information, and the transfer process of step S33 is not executed.

  If the order information is returned to the multifunction device 3 in step S36, step S37 is omitted, and in step S38, the order receiving unit 303 displays the order screen W indicated by the order screen information received by the communication unit 34. To display.

  On the other hand, when the communication between the MFP 3 and the provider server 2 is interrupted in step S34, step S40 is omitted, and in step S41, the order reception unit 303 is a warning indicating a warning that the print frequency increasing service cannot be used. Display information on the display.

  In step S39, the user operates the operation unit 33 to hide the order screen W, cancel the order information, input the order information, and confirm the order information.

  In steps S51 and S52 (FIG. 8), the order receiving unit 303 receives the input of order information (S51), and stores the received order information in the storage unit 35 (S52).

  In step S56, when the communication unit 34 receives the update program returned by the providing unit 202, the increase unit 304 uses the same data ID as the data ID included in the purchase instruction information used by the instruction receiving unit 302 in step S32. Transmission request information including the ID is transmitted to the content server 1.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, the user performs an operation of acquiring the content data stored in the content server 1 in the multifunction device 3 or the PC 4, and is included in the content data. The update is performed using the order screen W indicated by the order screen information returned from the provider server 2 without performing any operation after inputting the purchase instruction of the update program for increasing the limit number. An operation for inputting order information necessary for purchasing the program can be performed.

  Further, the user can purchase the update program from the provider server 2 by performing only an operation of inputting the order information using the order screen W, and performing no operation thereafter, and the increase unit 304 In addition, the limit number included in the same content data as the acquired content data stored in the content server 1 using the purchased update program can be increased.

  Conventionally, in order to increase the number of times content data can be printed with respect to the content data stored in the content server and limited in the number of times that the content data can be printed, the content provider that provides the content data After performing a predetermined purchase procedure for repurchasing the same content data as the content data, which can be printed more times than the content data, the repurchased content data is further stored in the content server. I had to take the trouble of fixing it.

  However, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, as described above, the user simply performs the operation of inputting the purchase instruction for the update program and the operation of inputting the order information in the multifunction machine 3 or the PC 4. The number of times the content data stored in the server can be printed can be increased. As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required to increase the number of times that the content data can be printed with respect to content data that is limited in the number of times that the content data can be printed. be able to.

  In addition, according to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, the limit number of times included in the content data can be reduced by the number of times that the content data is printed by the image forming unit 31. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the content data is printed carelessly.

  Further, according to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, the update program is returned to the multi-function device 3, and additional information “card number”, “card holder” of “credit card” necessary for purchasing the purchase program, After the “expiration date” becomes unnecessary, the possibility that the additional information remains in the storage unit 35 can be reduced. Thereby, the risk that the additional information leaks can be reduced.

  In addition, the said embodiment is only the illustration of embodiment which concerns on this invention, and is not the meaning which limits this invention to the said embodiment. For example, the following modified embodiment may be used.

  (1) The distribution data management system 9 may include two or more provider servers 2.

  (2) The order receiving unit 303 may be simplified so as not to perform steps S52 and S62 (FIG. 8).

  (3) The control unit 30 may not function as the number-of-times notification unit 305, and the control unit 10 may not function as the decrease unit 102 in accordance with this.

  (4) The distribution data management system 9 may not include the PC 4.

  (5) A so-called shared folder accessible to the content server 1 via the network 90 may be provided, and an electronic file indicating content data may be stored in the shared folder. Then, the data ID may be associated with the content data by setting the file name of the electronic file to the same file name as the data ID.

  In accordance with this, the control unit 10 of the content server 1 may not function as the distribution unit 101 and the update unit 103. In accordance with this, the acquisition unit 301, the increase unit 304, and the acquisition unit 401 access the shared folder provided in the content server 1 without going through the distribution unit 101, and store the desired folder stored in the shared folder. You may make it acquire the content data corresponding to the said data ID by acquiring the electronic file which shows the content data of the same file name as data ID.

  Further, the increase unit 304 accesses the shared folder provided in the content server 1 without going through the update unit 103, and displays electronic data indicating content data having the same file name as the desired data ID stored in the shared folder. The file may be updated.

  (6) The purchaser ID and password may not be included in the link information, and the order receiving unit 201 may be simplified so as not to perform authentication in step S34 (FIG. 7).

  (7) Instead of the update unit 304 executing the update program, the content server 1 may be configured to execute the update program.

  That is, instead of steps S56 to S61 (FIG. 7), the increase unit 304 may transmit update request information including the update program returned in step S55 and the data ID to the content server 1. When the update request information is received by the communication unit 11, the update unit 103 executes the update program included in the received update request information, so that the reception stored in the storage unit 12 is performed. The limited number of times included in the content data corresponding to the data ID may be increased a predetermined number of times.

  (8) The order screen information is not limited to the character string information in the HTML format, and can be displayed on a display unit provided in the PC 4 and the multifunction machine 3 and can be operated by the operation unit 33 and the operation unit 43. Any information can be used.

  (9) The coin vendor 5 and / or the card vendor 6 may not be connected to the multifunction device 3. Alternatively, a coin vendor and / or a card vendor may be connected to the PC 4, and the order receiving unit 403 may receive an input of a payment method “coin vendor” and / or a payment method “card vendor”.

1 Content server (management server)
102 Decrease 2 Provider server (provided server)
201 Order receiving section 202 Providing section 3 Multifunction machine (image forming apparatus)
31 Image forming unit (printing unit)
35 storage unit 301 acquisition unit 302 instruction reception unit 303 order reception unit 304 increase unit 305 number notification unit 4 personal computer (terminal device)
40 control unit 43 operation unit 44 communication unit 45 storage unit 401 acquisition unit (terminal side acquisition unit)
402 Instruction reception unit (terminal side instruction reception unit)
403 Order reception unit (terminal side order reception unit)
9 Distribution data management system W Order screen

Claims (4)

A distribution data management system in which a management server that stores distribution data, a provision server that provides the distribution data, and an image forming apparatus that prints the distribution data can communicate with each other,
The distribution data includes a limited number of times indicating the number of times the distribution data can be printed, and link information necessary for communication with the distribution server that provides the distribution data,
The providing server is
When receiving a purchase instruction of a program for increasing the limit number included in the distribution data by a predetermined number, an order screen information indicating an order screen in which order information necessary for the purchase of the program can be input is returned. The order department,
When the order information is returned, a provision unit that returns the program after executing a predetermined purchase process of the program using the returned order information,
The image forming apparatus includes:
An acquisition unit for acquiring the distribution data stored in the management server;
A printing unit for printing the distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit;
Accepting an input of a purchase instruction of the program for increasing the limit number included in the distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit, and the received purchase instruction included in the distribution data An instruction receiving unit for transmitting to the providing server using information;
An order receiving unit that receives the input of the order information using the order screen indicated by the order screen information returned by the providing server, and returns the received order information to the providing server;
Using the program sent back by the providing server, the limit number included in the distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit is increased by the predetermined number, and the distribution data after the limit number is increased An increase unit for transmitting to the management server ,
The management server is
A distribution data management system comprising: an update unit that updates the same distribution data as the distribution data stored in the management server by the distribution data transmitted by the increase unit . The image forming apparatus includes:
A number notifying unit that transmits the number of times the distribution data has been printed by the printing unit to the management server;
The management server is
When the number of times the distribution data is printed is received from the number notification unit, the limit number included in the same distribution data as the distribution data stored in the management server is received. The distribution data management system according to claim 1, further comprising a decreasing unit that decreases the number of times. A terminal device is further connected to the delivery data management system so that communication is possible,
The terminal device
A terminal-side acquisition unit that acquires the distribution data stored in the management server;
The link information that receives an input of a purchase instruction of the program for increasing the limit number included in the distribution data acquired by the terminal-side acquisition unit and includes the received purchase instruction in the distribution data And a terminal-side instruction receiving unit that transmits to the image forming apparatus,
The instruction receiving unit, when receiving the purchase instruction for the program and the link information from the terminal device, performs a transfer process of transmitting the received purchase instruction to the providing server using the received link information. Run,
The order receiving unit returns the order screen information returned by the providing server to the terminal device when the instruction receiving unit executes the transfer process,
The terminal device
A terminal-side order receiving unit that receives an input of the order information using the order screen indicated by the order screen information returned by the image forming apparatus and returns the received order information to the image forming apparatus; ,
3. The distribution data management system according to claim 1, wherein the order receiving unit returns the order information returned by the terminal device to the providing server when the instruction receiving unit executes the transfer process. The order information includes personal information of a user who purchases the program,
The image forming apparatus further includes a storage unit,
The order receiving unit stores the order information in the storage unit before returning the order information to the providing server, and when the program is returned, the personal information stored in the storage unit is stored. The delivery data management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 to be deleted.

Images