Patent ID: 9124752
Filing Date: 2015-09-01
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A multi-function apparatus including a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium embodying one or more programs of instructions executable by the processor to configure the multi-function apparatus to receive authorization through a network to activate, upon demand, software corresponding to one or more functions in the multi-function apparatus and to comprise: a network interface unit configured for the multi-function apparatus to communicate with an external device through the network, said device being external to the multi-function apparatus; a plurality of operation units configurable by software to provide specific functions, when the software is activated; a user interface unit that provides a user a choice of functions to activate and configure by the software, wherein the software is inactive by default, and the user interface unit includes an activation part for entry by the user of an activation code to activate required software for a selected function; and a control unit that, upon user selection of the function and entry of the activation code, communicates through the network interface unit with an external device to request authorization for activating the required software for the selected function for use by the user, and in response to said authorization from the external device, causes the required software for the selected function to be activated to configure corresponding operation units, wherein when one or more of the operation units provide the selected function, the control unit updates an accounting of charges to the user to include a charge for performing the selected function.