Patent ID: 6789135
Filing Date: 2004-09-07
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An apparatus function change service system, comprising:an apparatus including a reconfigurable chip and an apparatus service center for changing a function of the apparatus, the apparatus service center being connected to the apparatus via a network, wherein the apparatus service center includes: a request receiving section for receiving a request for a function change of the apparatus from a user; a specifying section for specifying a change to be made in a hardware configuration of the reconfigurable chip based on the request; and a sending section for sending information to the apparatus via the network to perform the change in the hardware configuration of the reconfigurable chip based on configuration of the reconfigurable chip, wherein the apparatus service center further includes: a customer list having customer information stored therein which indicates that the user has purchased the apparatus; a function table representing a relationship between the function of the apparatus and setting of the reconfigurable chip for realizing the function; and an apparatus management information table having setting information of the reconfigurable chip stored therein.