US 7,609,417 B2 · Data processing apparatus, image processing apparatus, information notifying method therefor, and program for implementing the method

Abstract

A MFP 1 is connected via a network to a MFP expansion unit 3 that expands the functions of the MFP 1 in cooperation with the MFP 1, a mail server 6, and an information terminal 7 of an administrator who manages the MFP. When a power cable and a network cable of the MFP expansion unit 3 are connected and the power is turned on, the MFP 1 receives information notifying the administrator of the MFP 1 of added functions, the information having been generated and transmitted by the MFP expansion unit 3. The MFP 1 transmits an e-mail message generated based on the received information to an e-mail address of the administrator of the MFP 1 that is stored in advance in a hard disk drive 207 of the MFP 1.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A data processing apparatus that adds at least one function to at least one image processing apparatus, comprising:

an acquisition device that acquires, from the image processing apparatus, information on at least one recipient to which notification information is to be transmitted, the notification information including at least one of information indicating that the data processing apparatus has been installed or information indicating that at least one function has been added to the image processing apparatus;
a transmission device that transmits the notification information to the recipient;
an information acquiring device that acquires information on the functions of the image processing apparatus from the image processing apparatus;
an expansion determining device that determines whether at least one function is addable to the functions of the image processing apparatus based on the acquired information;
and
a generation device that generates the notification information showing the at least one function that is addable.

3 more elements

An information notifying method for a data processing apparatus that adds at least one function to at least one image processing apparatus, comprising:

an acquiring step of acquiring, from the image processing apparatus, information on at least one recipient to which notification information is to be transmitted, the notification information including at least one of information indicating that the data processing apparatus has been installed or information indicating that at least one function has been added to the image processing apparatus;
a transmitting step of transmitting the notification information to the recipient;
an information acquiring step of acquiring information on the functions of the image processing apparatus from the image processing apparatus;
an expansion determining step of determining whether at least one function is addable to the functions of the image processing apparatus based on the acquired information;
and
a generation step of generating the notification information showing the at least one function that is addable.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Data processing apparatus, image processing apparatus, information notifying method therefor, and program for implementing the method

Life of this patent

Data processing apparatus, image processing apparatus, information notifying method therefor, and program for implementing the method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11