Abstract: A search device includes a first search section and a second search section. The first search section searches, for second image data sharing a common attribute with first image data being processed by an image processing apparatus, a storage section in which image data processed by the image processing apparatus is stored. The second search section searches the storage section for third image data processed by the image processing apparatus within a time period from a predetermined time before a reference time to a predetermined time after the reference time, the reference time being a point of time at which the second image data was processed by the image processing apparatus. This makes it possible to prevent a search omission in the search device for searching for the second image data sharing a common attribute with the first image data.

Abstract: A digital complex machine in accordance with the present invention is set so as to notify a manager of device information thereof by E-mail. It is also particularly set so as to convert device information into attached data and to transmit a device information mail containing the attached data to a server of the manager. In other words, since transmitting device information in the attached data format that is less possibly perceived by the third party, the digital complex machine is capable of suppressing leakage of device information.

Abstract: A print control operation system using icons including a display picture for displaying a print icon having predetermined set print conditions and a file icon of a file to be printed. By dragging the file icon and dropping the file icon on the print icon, print processing of the file is executed under the print conditions predetermined in the print icon.

Abstract: A search device includes a first search section and a second search section. The first search section searches, for second image data sharing a common attribute with first image data being processed by an image processing apparatus, a storage section in which image data processed by the image processing apparatus is stored. The second search section searches the storage section for third image data processed by the image processing apparatus within a time period from a predetermined time before a reference time to a predetermined time after the reference time, the reference time being a point of time at which the second image data was processed by the image processing apparatus. This makes it possible to prevent a search omission in the search device for searching for the second image data sharing a common attribute with the first image data.

Abstract: A management system of the present invention is provided with an electronic apparatus having a specific function, such as a digital composite machine, an information management apparatus, and a plurality of service information terminals. The information management apparatus and a plurality of the service information terminals are linked with the electronic apparatus via a network. After the operation of the digital composite machine, which has been serviced, is resumed after the service, operational information is prepared, for example, by inputting operating condition information into an operation panel in accordance with a determination made by a user, so as to transmit the operational information to the information management apparatus. The information management apparatus uses the operational information, at least as a reference for determining whether or not it is necessary to the service, so as to instruct the service information terminal to repeat the service, for example.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to enable various information processing by combining an image processing apparatus with peripheral devices without equipping the apparatus with device drivers or application software for each of the peripheral devices. By connecting a plurality of image processing apparatuses (digital multi-function peripherals), peripheral devices (USB-Hubs), and a server that manages the connection between these digital multi-function peripherals and the USB-Hubs and is equipped with device drivers and application software for various types of peripheral devices to be utilized by connection to the USB-Hubs by a network, the present invention enables utilization of the peripheral devices that can not be utilized by connecting directly to the image processing apparatuses in combination with the image processing apparatuses.

Abstract: An ordering apparatus receives unit information for specifying units constituting a composite apparatus to be ordered. The ordering apparatus creates composite state information for specifying a composite state of units based on the received unit information, according to a predetermined rule. Meanwhile, the composite apparatus recognizes unit information for specifying units constituting itself, and creates composite state information based on the recognized unit information, according to the same rule as the above rule. Then, the composite state information created by the ordering apparatus and the composite state information created by the composite apparatus are compared. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a managing system capable of appropriately managing a complicated composite apparatus at the time of ordering, shipment, setup, subsequent maintenance, etc.

Abstract: Upgradable functions which are to be a target of trial are previously stored as software (program) or hardware in a storage section of a system. When a user desires to try out the functions, the user gives an instruction to do so to the system via a display panel or the like. The system, upon receipt of the instruction (including the start, termination, extension of a period, etc., of a trial), provides the target functions as required, thus providing the trial of a functionally upgraded, new system to users more easily and flexibly than ever before.

Abstract: An image processing device stores a main program that controls basic operations that the device conducts as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, etc., as well as a sub program that controls additional operations that the device conducts as a net work scanner. When a user purchases an additional function pack and sends a production number of the image processing device and ID information of the pack to a managing device, the managing device returns a releasing key produced by encoding the production number. A control section of the device decodes the releasing key, and permits the foregoing access if the production number obtained by the decoding matches that stored in the memory section. Therefore, even after shipment, extension of functions can be smoothly implemented at lower costs without replacement of boards or memories.

Abstract: An image output processing apparatus, which temporarily stores inputted image data and thereafter reads out the same to output images on sheets of paper, includes a CPU which (i) divides inputted image data into a plurality of blocks under predetermined conditions in an order in which the image data are inputted, so that one block has an amount of image data not exceeding a capacity of the storing means, (ii) when the storing of image data of one block in the storing means is finished, reads out the temporarily stored image data from the storing means, outputs the image data of the block so that a set number of copies of the images are obtained, and makes the storing means free, and (iii) thereafter stores image data of a next block into the storing means and applies to the image data the same processing operation as that described above.

Abstract: A management system of the present invention includes an electronic apparatus having a specific function, such as a digital composite machine and a predetermined receiving end to be connected to the electronic apparatus via a network. The digital composite machine includes a self-diagnosis section for performing the self-diagnosis of a state thereof and preparing a self-diagnostic result, and an electronic mail communications section for transmitting apparatus data including the self-diagnostic result by electronic mail, and is capable of changing a receiving end of apparatus data according to the self-diagnostic result. With this structure, it is possible to surely obtain a state of said electronic apparatus as digital data, and to utilize the digital data appropriately, thereby realizing more appropriate management of the electronic apparatus than the conventional management system.

Abstract: Upgradable functions which are to be a target of trial are previously stored as software (program) or hardware in a storage section of a system. When a user desires to try out the functions, the user gives an instruction to do so to the system via a display panel or the like. The system, upon receipt of the instruction (including the start, termination, extension of a period, etc., of a trial), provides the target functions as required, thus providing the trial of a functionally upgraded, new system to users more easily and flexibly than ever before.

Abstract: An ordering apparatus receives unit information for specifying units constituting a composite apparatus to be ordered. The ordering apparatus creates composite state information for specifying a composite state of units based on the received unit information, according to a predetermined rule. Meanwhile, the composite apparatus recognizes unit information for specifying units constituting itself, and creates composite state information based on the recognized unit information, according to the same rule as the above rule. Then, the composite state information created by the ordering apparatus and the composite state information created by the composite apparatus are compared. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a managing system capable of appropriately managing a complicated composite apparatus at the time of ordering, shipment, setup, subsequent maintenance, etc.

Abstract: A management system of the present invention is provided with an electronic apparatus having a specific function, such as a digital composite machine, an information management apparatus, and a plurality of service information terminals. the information management apparatus and a plurality of the service information terminals are linked with the electronic apparatus via a network. After the operation of the digital composite machine, which has been serviced, is resumed, operation information is prepared, for example, by inputting operating condition into an operation panel in accordance with judgement made by a user, so as to transmit the operation information to the information management apparatus. The information management apparatus uses the operation information, at least as a judgement reference for judging whether or not it is necessary to redo the service, so as to instruct the service information terminal to redo the service, for example.

Abstract: A print control operation system using icons including a display picture for displaying a print icon having predetermined set print conditions and a file icon of a file to be printed. By dragging the file icon and dropping the file icon on the print icon, print processing of the file is executed under the print conditions predetermined in the print icon.

Abstract: An image processing device stores a main program that controls basic operations that the device conducts as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, etc., as well as a sub program that controls additional operations that the device conducts as a net work scanner. When a user purchases an additional function pack and sends a production number of the image processing device and ID information of the pack to a managing device, the managing device returns a releasing key produced by encoding the production number. A control section of the device decodes the releasing key, and permits the foregoing access if the production number obtained by the decoding matches that stored in the memory section. Therefore, even after shipment, extension of functions can be smoothly implemented at lower costs without replacement of boards or memories.

Abstract: A digital complex machine in accordance with the present invention is set so as to notify a manager of device information thereof by E-mail. It is also particularly set so as to convert device information into attached data and to transmit a device information mail containing the attached data to a server of the manager. In other words, since transmitting device information in the attached data format that is less possibly perceived by the third party, the digital complex machine is capable of suppressing leakage of device information.

Abstract: In an image forming system, a digital copying machine, which is requested to determine image data, stores determination history data including a result of determination in its memory when the result indicates that the image data are prohibited to be copied, and transfers the determination history data to a digital copying machine of a requesting end, and also transfers the determination history data automatically or as requested to other digital copying machine, a central image formation control unit or a host computer of the service center. As a result, an inhibit copy action can be prevented even when a digital copying machine being used within the system is not provided with an image determining function, thereby providing a security system which can inform others of an occurrence of an illegal or dishonest action at real time.

Abstract: When a user approaches a digital copying machine, an ID card which the user is holding is detected (S1), and an ID number of the same is checked by communication between the ID card and the digital copying machine (S2). Print jobs corresponding to the detected ID number areb listed up (S4), and the print jobs corresponding to the ID number are outputted (S6). An order of output, timings of output, and a current state of output, of the print jobs can be displayed according to the ID number. Thus, an image output processing apparatus which is capable of controlling print jobs according to ID numbers is designed so as to execute various controls such as output processing control according to ID numbers, thereby to be an image output processing apparatus highly convenient for the users.

Abstract: A request condition managing table is provided to a request-sender digital copying machine. For example, when the request-sender digital copying machine is reset to a predetermined condition, the PCU of the request-sender digital copying machine outputs a clear signal to a request-receiver digital copying machine through a transmitting apparatus, so that the image data stored therein on behalf of the request-sender digital copying machine are cleared. Alternatively, the operator can erase such image data manually by checking the request condition managing table. In this manner, when the image data read by the request-sender image forming apparatus and stored temporarily in the request-receiver image forming apparatus become useless, the request-sender image forming apparatus so notifies the request-receiver image forming apparatus and directs the same to erase the image data, thereby preventing the request-receiver image forming apparatus from storing useless image data over a long period.