Abstract: When a multifunction apparatus transmits a request for a menu to a network menu server, the network menu server transmits a network menu data table including functions provided in the multifunction apparatus and functions provided in the network menu server. When the network menu is displayed on a panel, a function can be selected from the panel of the multifunction apparatus. When the selected function is provided in the multifunction apparatus, the function is executed by the multifunction apparatus. When the selected function is provided in the network menu server, the function is executed by coordination of both the network menu server and the multifunction apparatus.

Abstract: Each operation screen for jobs to be executed by a multifunction apparatus is layered, according operation steps of the multifunction apparatus, and registered in a distribution server. Menus for displaying the operation screens are also registered in the distribution server, the menus being arranged in a tree-shape configuration. Corresponding to an operation on the multifunction apparatus, the menus are sequentially delivered from the distribution server to the multifunction apparatus, starting from a menu in the top layer. The multifunction apparatus displays each operation screen based on the delivered menus. Menu includes display text (text displayed on the operation screen), next screen name (screen name of the subordinate screen displayed on the operation screen), and action (command for the multifunction apparatus to execute).

Abstract: A multifunction apparatus transmits a menu screen obtaining request and a sort key to a distribution server located on a LAN. Upon receiving the menu screen obtaining request and the sort key from the multifunction apparatus, the distribution server sorts, according to the sort key, the order of menus displayed on the menu screen, and transmits sorted menu screen back to the multifunction apparatus. The multifunction apparatus displays the sorted menu screen, received from the distribution server, on an LCD. When a menu is selected from the displayed menu screen, the multifunction apparatus executes the menu.

Abstract: Menus to be executed by an individual multifunction apparatus are pre-registered in a distribution server for each multifunction apparatus. When the distribution server receives a menu screen obtaining request, a model code, and a sort key from one of the multifunction apparatus, the distribution server accesses a multifunction apparatus menu registration table of the requesting multifunction apparatus and sorts the order of menus according to the sort key. Then, the distribution server transmits the sorted menu screen back to the multifunction apparatus. The multifunction apparatus displays the sorted menu screen, received from the distribution server, on an LCD of a panel. The order of the displayed menus is based on the order specified by the sort key.

Abstract: A multifunction apparatus having at least a printer function and a network communication function is provided with an LCD that displays an input screen where an authentication data is input. When a user inputs authentication data on the input screen, the data is transmitted to an authentication server. The authentication server makes a determination as to permitting the use of the multifunction apparatus and the access to the network, by checking a user table that registers user data authorizing the use of the multifunction apparatus and access data indicating whether the access to the network is permitted. Upon receiving the authentication result, the multifunction apparatus makes a determination as to permitting the use of the multifunction apparatus and the access to the network.