Embedded business apparatus including web server function

In an embedded business apparatus, a Web server function receives a network protocol request including an IP address by a network protocol daemon and a port number, processes the request, and responds to the request by sending a network protocol response. The request includes an obtained request of port information including a port number specifying the port, and the Web server function includes the response including the port information obtained by processing the obtained request and including Web information making it possible for a user to input a change instruction for changing the port information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to embedded business apparatuses including a Web server function, and more particularly to an embedded business apparatus including a Web server function in that a port to use can be registered by using a port identification uniquely identifying a port corresponding to a network protocol and in that a Web application can change a port number independently of the port number.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile, a copier, a printer, or a like provides information or conducts a process through a network.

For example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 10-173890 discloses that a user can send an HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) request from a Web browser of a terminal and can operate a facsimile transmission function with respect to the image forming apparatus including a facsimile function through the network.

Moreover, Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2002-236627 discloses that regarding security for a computer connecting to the network, in a case of connecting the computer having a firewall to the network due to a data transmission, a service port number of a server application can be dynamically changed before conducting a socket process. As a mechanism for dynamically changing a port number, it is offered to determine a service port number by changing for each communication by using a random number that is unique along a time series. In this mechanism, a client terminal connecting to such computer determines the service port number. Thus, the client can communicate with the computer by using the same service port number as the service port number determined by the computer.

Currently, in a field of the business apparatus such as the image forming apparatus, since a Web server function is implemented for the business apparatus, the user can refer to or set a status of the business apparatus by using the Web browser of the terminal of the user not only inside an office but also outside the office, through the Internet.

As a protocol in a case of accessing the business apparatus though the Internet, an HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is generally used. A port number to use for an HTTP communication is “80” which is well-known as a regular port number to use for the HTTP communication.

However, since the port number “80” as a regular use is widely well-known, the port number “80” can be a target for an ill-disposed third party to attack. Thus, as a purpose to improve security, it is needed to change a port number used in the HTTP communication.

However, if the Web browser does not indicate a port number of the Web server to connect in the HTTP communication, automatically “80” is used for the port number for the HTTP communication. Thus, if a port number different from “80” is used, the user is required to manually indicate a specific port number. Accordingly, it is needed to have all users know a new port number when the Web server changes the port number to use for the HTTP communication other than “80”.

In a general Web server providing contents for any user through the Internet, it is practically impossible to have all users know the change of the port number.

On the other hand, in a case of a general business apparatus which is assumed to be used by only the specific small number of users within an office or through the Internet, it may be considered that it is possible to have all these specific users know the change of the port number.

However, in a conventional business apparatus, since a protocol daemon (httpd) encompasses the port number for use in-house only, it is not possible to easily change contents concerning the port number.

Moreover, in the future, considering the security, in order to prevent the Web application from an attack coming from an unexpected port, a port is registered to the Web server for each Web application in the Web server of the business apparatus. In a method for registering a port number directly to the Web server, it is difficult to promptly associate with a change of the port number.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of the present invention to provide embedded business apparatuses including a Web server function in which the above-mentioned problems are eliminated.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide an embedded business apparatus including a Web server function, in which a port identification uniquely identifying a port corresponding to a network protocol is defined and used to register as a port to use for the Web server, so that a mechanism can be provided to enable an existing Web application to structure a system and to support a change of a port number.

A further specific object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for sending an URL (Uniform Resource Locator), which is to access to the business apparatus and to browse information including a new port number, to a user using the business apparatus when a port number is changed, in order to make it easier to have the user know the new port number.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an embedded business apparatus including a Web server function, wherein the Web server function receives a network protocol request including an IP address by a network protocol daemon and a port number, processes the network protocol request, and responds to the network protocol request by sending a network protocol response, and wherein the network protocol request includes an obtain request of port information including a port number specifying the port, and the Web server function includes the network protocol response including the port information obtained by processing the obtain request and including Web information possible to input a change instruction for changing the port information.

According to the present invention, in the embedded business apparatus including a Web server, in response to a network protocol request (HTTP request) indicating a port number currently available, it is possible to send a network protocol response (HTTP response), which allows a user to set (change) the port number, as a response.

Moreover, in the embedded business apparatus, when the Web server function receives the network protocol request including a set request conducted for the change instruction of the port information, which is set by using the network protocol response, the Web server function may set the port information in accordance with the set request.

According to the present invention, in the embedded business apparatus, it is possible to conduct a process corresponding to a set request for the port information.

Furthermore, in the embedded business apparatus, the Web server function may inform that the port information is set.

According to the present invention, in the embedded business apparatus, for example, it is possible to inform a user that the port information is set (changed), by Web, electronic mail, and facsimile.

Moreover, the embedded business apparatus further may include a document distribution function for distributing document data through a networks, and the Web server function may inform by electronic mail that the port information is set, by using the document distribution function.

According to the present invention, in the embedded business apparatus, it is possible to inform by using the document distribution function that the port information is set (changed).

Furthermore, in the embedded business apparatus, a link including port information being set may be provided in the electronic mail.

According to the present invention, when the user receives the electronic mail provided from the embedded business apparatus, the user may add the like as a favorite in a Web browser. Therefore, it is possible to easily access the embedded business apparatus without concerning the change of the port information.

Moreover, in the embedded business apparatus, the Web server function may inform to destinations being registered in the document distribution function or a facsimile function by using the document distribution function or the facsimile function.

According to the present invention, it is possible to inform the port information to access the embedded business apparatus by using the document distribution function or the facsimile function.

Furthermore, in the embedded business apparatus, the port information may include port identification uniquely identifying a port corresponding to the network protocol, and the Web server function sets the port information based on the port identification and obtains the port information.

According to the present invention, it is possible for the embedded business apparatus to set and obtain the port number by corresponding to the port identification.

Moreover, the embedded business apparatus further may include at least one application for processing the network protocol request, wherein the port information, which the application itself processes, is registered to the network protocol daemon.

According to the present invention, it is possible for the application to register the port information.

Furthermore, in the embedded business apparatus, the port information registered by the application may be the port identification.

According to the present invention, it is possible for the application to register a port subject to use, by using the port identification.

The above objects of the present invention can be achieved by a method for receiving a network protocol request and sending a network protocol response, by a program product for causing a computer functioning as a Web server to conduct the described-above processes or by a computer-readable recording medium recorded with a program for causing a computer functioning as a Web server to conduct described-above processes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention accommodates functions corresponding to apparatuses such as a printer, a copier, a facsimile, a scanner, and a like as embedded business apparatuses including a Web server function within a single chassis, and can provide information concerning an image formation by a plurality of Web applications. For example, an image processing system including the image forming apparatus has a system configuration as shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 1is a diagram showing the system configuration of the image processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 1, in the image processing system1000, a plurality of HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) clients9are mounted inside an office and connected to each other through a network10. In addition, other HTTP clients9outside the office can connect to the image forming apparatus1through a router10aconnecting to the network10inside the office and the Internet10boutside the office. The network10may be a LAN (Local Area Network) built in the office, an Intranet, the Internet, or a like. The image forming apparatus1functions as a Web server and conducts a predetermined process in response to an HTTP request from the HTTP clients9being inside and outside the office, and provides a process result as an HTTP response to the HTTP clients9.

The image forming apparatus1conducts a process such as a print process to print out document data, a fax transmission process to transmit the document data by fax, or a like, in response to the HTTP request from the HTTP clients9. Moreover, in response to the HTTP request, the image forming apparatus1sends a Web page for displaying information requested by the HTTP request to the HTTP client9originating the HTTP request. For example, in a case in that a user of the HTTP client9requests status information of the image forming apparatus1from the Web browser of the HTTP client9, the image forming apparatus1sends HTML (HyperText Markup Language) data storing the status information to the HTTP client9. Furthermore, the HTTP client9can be a PC (Personal Computer), a PDA (Personal Digital (Data) Assistants), a mobile phone, and a like, which is directly used by the user, and includes the Web browser for displaying the Web page that is sent from the image forming apparatus1.

FIG. 2is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

InFIG. 2, the image forming apparatus1includes an application layer2, and a platform layer4, and an engine part8. An interface3is an application program interface (API) provided by the platform layer4with respect to the application layer2, and an engine interface7is an engine interface (engine I/F) provided between the platform layer4and the engine part8.

The application layer2is a software group for conducting various individual processes in the image forming apparatus1, and includes a copy application2abeing an application for a copy, a fax application2bbeing an application for a fax, a printer application2cbeing an application for a printer, a scanner application2dbeing an application for a scanner, and a net-file application2ebeing an application for a network file to exchange a file through the network10(shown inFIG. 1).

Moreover, the Web application20is an application group for conducting a Web service in accordance with an HTTP protocol and is implemented in the image forming apparatus1beforehand (on board). The Web application20includes a Websys20aas a Web application in that a state of the image forming apparatus1can be browsed by using the Web browser and network settings of the image forming apparatus1and a like possible through the network10, a webdocbox20bas a Web application in that a document can be retrieved and managed through the Web browser by using the net-file application2e, a GPS-web20cas a Web application for displaying a job history (state of spool) of the printer, and a fax-web20das a Web application in that initial settings and a communication management report (communication history) of the fax can be browsed in a display form.

Furthermore, an SDK (Software Development Kit) application200ais an application developed by a third party, and for example, can be a “job-oriented document management software” or a like.

Moreover, an e-mail notification application200bincludes an e-mail notification function for informing a change of a port number by sending an electronic mail (hereinafter, simply called e-mail) to an e-mail address of a user, and then provides information by e-mail. In general, the e-mail notification application200bis used as a document distribution function (called Scan to Mail) for e-mailing a document, which is scanned by the scanner application2d, to a plurality of predetermined users. In this embodiment, the document distribution function is used to have the plurality of predetermined users know an URL address additionally providing a changed port number.

Moreover, common functions, which are omitted inFIG. 1, are provided for applications between the application layer2and the interface3so as to appropriately provide a library (platform layer4), which makes it easier to develop software.

On the other hand, the platform layer4is a software group for providing common service functions for the applications in the application layer2through the interface3, and separately includes a service layer5and an OS layer6. The service layer5includes a SCS (System Control Service)5aincluding a plurality of functions such as an application management, an operation control, a system screen display, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, a resource management, an interruption control, and a like, an FCS (FAX Control Service)5bfor providing an application program interface of the fax function, an ECS (Engine Control Service)5cfor controlling an engine part, an MCS (Memory Control Service)5dfor conducting a memory control, an OCS (Operation panel Control Service)5efor controlling an operation part (operation panel) functioning as an interface for an operator, an NCS (Network control Service)5ffor providing a common service used by applications that are required to output and input information to/from the network10, and a UCS (User Control Service)5gfor managing and controlling user information. The OS layer6includes an OS (LPUX)61.

The UCS5gmanages the user information that is registered by the document distribution function (Scan to Mail) or the fax application2b. The user information includes an e-mail address, a FAX number, and a like for each user.

On the other hand, the engine part8includes engines such as a plotter81, a scanner82, and other hardware resources83, and an engine control board84for controlling these engines.

FIG. 3is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 3, the image forming apparatus1is formed by connecting an operation panel113, a fax control unit114, the plotter81, the scanner82, and the other hardware resources83are connected to a controller101for conducting a main control operation of the image forming apparatus1.

In the controller101, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)102as an IC (Integrated Circuit) to use for an image process is connected to a CPU106that is an IC for a general control, through an NB (North Bridge)105functioning as a bridge. Also, in the controller101, an SB (South Bridge)108as a bridge to connect to peripheral devices or a like, an NIC (Network Interface Card)109for controlling a network communication, an USB (Universal Serial Bus)110for providing a USB interface, an IEEE 1394111for providing an IEEE 1394 interface, a centronics112for providing a centronics interface, and a memory card interface115for input and output a program and data to/from a memory card storing an optional application are connected to a bus of the NB105. Moreover, a MEM-C103and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive)104as storage units are connected to the ASIC102, and a MEM-P107as a storage unit is connect to the NB105. A memory card interface115may use a part or the entire function of the USB110.

FIG. 4is a block diagram showing a module configuration of the Web application according to the embodiment of the present invention. The module configuration shown inFIG. 4realizes a Web server function functioning as the Web server.

InFIG. 4, the Websys20aof the Web application20is connected to an httpd (HyperText Transfer Protocol Daemon)51(a part of a function of the NCS51inFIG. 2) for distributing an HTTP request received through a network10from the HTTP client9using the Web browser and replying by sending a process result (in HTML (HyperText Markup Language), XML (extensible Markup Language), or text) of the Web application20. Websys20aincludes a Web application library22and a Web page library23that are framework for developing Web applications providing various common functions, a Web page handler24for operating each Web page, a Web page function25for conducting a detail process concerning a display of the Web page, a type library26for converting process result data by describing in XML and serializing the process result data, an XML (extensible Markup Language) library27for analyzing XML data and describing in XML, and an XSLT (XSL Transformations) processor28for converting the process result described in XML into the process result described in HTML.

The Web page handler24and the Web page function25configure process functions to realize the Web page. In addition, the Web page function25communicates with the OCS5eand the UCS5gthrough the Interface3when the Web page function25conducts a process.

In addition, a Web application20, a Web application library22, and the Web page library23are substantially united to form a single Web application.

Moreover, the process result informed from the Web page function25is described in XML, so as that the process result can be serialized by the type library26.

A mechanism possible for the Web application20and the SDK application200ato obtain a port state, a mechanism possible for the NCS5fto set a port number, and a mechanism possible for the HTTP daemon51to obtain the port number and to obtain a port state will be schematically described according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5is a schematic diagram showing a functional configuration to share port information, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 5, in general, the Web server function is realized by the NCS5fthat is a communication control module to be connected to the HTTP clients9(in general, Web browser operating for the personal computer) through the network10such as the Internet, the Web application20for conducting a predetermined operation such as a display of the Web page or a like, libraries (framework)22and23for a Web application development for providing various common functions with respect to the Web application20, and the OCS5eand the UCS5gaccessed from the Web application20. In this case, the Web application20and the libraries22and23are substantially united to form the Web application.

Moreover, the HTTP daemon51in the NCS5fdistributes an HTTP request sent from the HTTP client9to the Web application20corresponding to the HTTP request through the libraries22and23, and returns a process result (HTML, XML, TEXT) output from the Web application20, to the HTTP client9.

On the other hand, a network service library24is provided as a part realizing a main function to share port information in the present invention. In the network library24, the port information is sent from the NCS5f. Also, the port information is stored in a port information management file F1and can be referred to from the Web application20, the Web application library22, and the Web page library23.

The port information management file F1includes fields for “port identification” uniquely identifying a port corresponding a service to provide, “port number” showing a number assigned to the port, “secured” showing whether or not the port is secured, “server certification ID” showing a storage area ID for a server certificate, “port state” showing “active” in that the port is active or showing “inactive” in that the port is inactive, and a like. The port information management file F1is centralized and managed by the network service library24.

Operations in a case of normally using a port number “80” for HTTP will be described with reference to FIG.6.

FIG. 6is a diagram showing the operation in a case of normally using a port number “80” for the HTTP, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 6, the HTTP daemon51includes an application ID-application path correspondence table53for corresponding an application ID to an application path, and an application ID-port identification correspondence table54for corresponding the application ID to the port identification. As shown inFIG. 7, for example, when an HTTP request is assumed to be “http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:9999/web/user/ja/websys/webArch/mainFrame.c gi”, an application path is indicated by “web” part for one layer following “xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:999” showing a host and a port number. Moreover, “URL path” is shown by a part of “web/user/ja/websys/webArch/mainFrame.cgi” including the application path. When the port number indicated after “:” is a regular port number “80”, “:80” is omitted to describe.

The application ID-application path correspondence table53is referred to based on the application path indicated in the URL of the HTTP response being received in order to obtain an application ID specifying an application to distribute a process.

In the application ID-port identification correspondence table54, the port identification is registered by corresponding to the application ID in response to a registration request of the port identification to use conducted from each of the Web application20and SDK application200a. Moreover, the application ID-port identification correspondence table54can be referred to when the port identification is obtained from the application ID.

By the above-described mechanisms, the HTTP daemon51of the NCS5fcan realize a function for generating the port identification when the HTTP request is distributed.

Next, operations will be described according to the embodiment of the present invention.

First, the Websys20aof the Web application20requests the HTTP daemon51of the NCS5fto register the port identification (for example, HTTP and HTTPS) to use (step S11-1). Similarly, the SDK application200arequests the HTTP daemon51of the NCS5fto register the port identification (for example, HTTP) to use (step S11-2). It should be noted that an order of registrations is not defined by the step S11-1and the step S11-2.

The HTTP daemon51corresponds the application ID identifying a request originator to the port identification requested to register (step S12). The HTTP daemon51obtains the port number based on the port identification from the network service library24(step S13) The network service library24searches for the port information management file F1based on the port identification when the network service library24receives a port number obtain request from the HTTP daemon51(step S14), obtains a port number from the port information management file F1(step S15), and then informs the port number to the HTTP daemon51.

Then, the HTTP daemon51opens a port specified by the port number which is obtained from the network service library24when the port is not opened (step S16). In this case, each of a port “80” for the HTTP and a port “443” for HTTPS is opened.

When each port is opened in step S13, the HTTP daemon51updates a port state (step S17). When the network service library24receives an update request of the port state from the HTTP daemon51, the port state of respective port number is changed to be “ACTIVE” in the port information management file F1. In this case, both the port “80” for the HTTP and the port “443” for the HTTPS are changed to be “ACTIVE” in the port information management file F1.

When the HTTP client9requests a Web page by using the regular port number “80” with respect to the image forming apparatus1, for example, an HTTP request as shown inFIG. 8is sent to the image forming apparatus1.FIG. 8is a screen example when the port number “80” is used for the HTTP, according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the screen example shown inFIG. 8, when a user indicates an address40showing: “http://100.100.10.111/web/admin/ja/sdkappl/aaa/bbb.cgi” which omits a port number, the port number “80” is normally indicated for the HTTP.

Referring toFIG. 6again, an HTTP request indicating the address40is sent to the image forming apparatus1(step S21), the image forming apparatus1accepts the HTTP request at the port number “80” (step S22).

The HTTP daemon51obtains the port identification from the port number through the network service library24(step S23). In this case, the port identification “HTTP” is obtained from the port number “80”.

Moreover, the HTTP daemon51refers to the application ID-application path correspondence table53, so as to obtain the application ID from the application path indicated in the HTTP request (step S24). In this case, the application ID “SDKAppl” is obtained from the application path “sdkappl”.

Furthermore, the HTTP daemon51refers to the application ID-port identification correspondence table52, so as to confirm a correspondence between the port identification and the application ID, and conducts a relative application by using the application ID (step S25) In this case, the HTTP daemon51confirms by referring to the application ID-port identification correspondence table54that the application ID “SDKAppl” corresponds to the port identification “HTTP”. Since the HTTP request is received at a port identified by the port identification “HTTP”, the HTTP daemon51conducts the SDK application200aby using the application ID “SDKAppl”.

FIG. 9is a diagram showing a detailed sequence for explaining the operation when the port number “80” is used for the HTTP, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 9, when the Web application20and the SDK application200arequest the HTTP daemon51to register a port to use, respectively (step S111), the HTTP daemon51corresponds the application ID to the port identification to use by using the application ID-port identification correspondence table54(step S112).

Furthermore, the HTTP daemon51obtains the port number based on the port identification from the network service library24(step S113). When the network service library24receives the port number obtain request from the HTTP daemon51, the network service library24reads out the port number from the port information management file F1based on the port identification. That is, the network library24searches for the port information management file F1based on the port identification (step S114), obtains the port number from the port information management file F1(step S115), and then informs the port number to the HTTP daemon51.

Then, the HTTP daemon51opens when a port specified by the port number obtained from the network service library24(step S116). In this case, each of the port “80” for the HTTP and the port “443” for the HTTPS is opened.

When the HTTP daemon51opens the ports in step S116, the HTTP daemon51updates the port state (step S117) When the network service library24receives an update request of the port state from the HTTP daemon51, the network service library24changes the port state of the port number indicated by the update request to be “ACTIVE” in the port information management file F1(step S118). In this case, the port “80” for the HTTP and the port “443” for the HTTPS are changed to be “ACTIVE”.

FIG. 10Ais a diagram showing a state of a port information management file before the operation when the port number “80” is used for the HTTP, according to the embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 10Ba diagram showing a state of a port information management file after the operation when the port number “80” is used for the HTTP, according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 10Ashows the state of the port information management file F1in a case in that the port number is read by the network service library24in step S114inFIG. 9. InFIG. 10A, for example, in the port information management file F1, for the port identification “HTTP”, the port number field shows “80”, the secured field shows “FALSE”, the server certificate ID field shows “-” (not set), and the port state field shows “INACTIVE”. Moreover, in the port information management file F1, for the port identification “HTTPS”, the port number field shows “443”, the secured field shows “TRUE”, the server certificate ID field shows “0” (zero), and the port state field shows “INACTIVE”.

FIG. 10Bshows the state of the port information management file F1in a case in that the port number is written to the port information management file F1by the network service library24in step S118inFIG. 9. InFIG. 10B, the port state of the port identification “HTTP” is changed from “INACTIVE” to “ACTIVE”. Similarly, the port state of the port identification “HTTPS” is changed from “INACTIVE” to “ACTIVE”.

FIG. 11is a flowchart for explaining the operation in a case of normally using a port number “80” for the HTTP, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 11, when the Web application20or the SDK application200arequests the HTTP daemon51to register a port to use (step S211), the HTTP daemon51corresponds the application ID to the port identification to use by using the application ID-port identification correspondence table54(step S212).

Furthermore, the HTTP daemon51obtains the port number based on the port identification from the network service library24(step S213). When the network service library24receives the port number obtain request from the HTTP daemon51, the network service library24reads out the port number from the port information management file F1. That is, the network service library24searches for the port information management file F1based on the port identification (step S214), obtains the port number from the port information management file F1(step S215), and then informs the port number to the HTTP daemon51.

The HTTP daemon51obtains the port number “80” corresponding to the port identification “HTTP”, and also obtains the port number “443” corresponding to the port identification “HTTPS” (step S216-1). The HTTP daemon51determines whether or not the ports specified by the port numbers “80” and “443” are opened (step S216-2). When both ports are opened, this operation is terminated.

On the other hand, when the HTTP daemon51determines that both ports specified by the port numbers “80” and “443” obtained from the network service library24are not opened, the HTTP daemon51opens ports “80” and “443” (step S216-3). Next, the HTTP daemon51requests the network service library24to update each port state of the ports “80” and “443” (step S217).

The network service library24writes each port state of the port numbers “80” and “443” to the port information management file F1(step S218). That is, the network service library24changes both port stats of the port numbers “80” and “443” to be “ACTIVE”.

In the following, a mechanism for changing the port number for the HTTP, which is opened in the above-described manner, will be described.

FIG. 12is a schematic diagram showing a sequence for changing the port number for the HTTP, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 12, the port to use is registered by the Web application20or the SDK application200a, and the port number for the HTTP is changed by the OCS5eor the Websys20a. When the port number for the HTTP is changed by the OCS5e, the port number is changed by an operation of the user at the operation panel of the image forming apparatus1. On the other hand, when the port number for the HTTP is changed by the Websys20a, the port number is changed in response to the HTTP request sent from the HTTP client9connecting to the image forming apparatus1through the network10. The same process is conducted for these cases, and a case of the Web application20and the OCS5ewill be described with reference toFIG. 12.

InFIG. 12, the Web application20requests the HTTP daemon51to register a port to use by using the port identification (step S121). For example, the Web application20registers the port identification “HTTP” and the port identification “HTTPS”.

The HTTP daemon51requests the network service library24to obtain the port number (step S122). In this case, the HTTP daemon51requests each port number of the port identification “HTTP” and the port identification “HTTPS”, respectively.

The network service library24reads the port numbers corresponding the port identification “HTTP” and the port identification “HTTPS” from the port information management file F1. That is, the network service library24searches for the port information management file F1based on the port identification (step S123), obtains each port number from the port information management file F1(step S124), and then informs each port number to the HTTP daemon51. In this case, the port number “80” corresponding to the port identification “HTTP” and the port number “443” corresponding to the port identification “HTTPS” are informed to the HTTP daemon51.

The HTTP daemon51opens the port “80” and the port “443” (step S125).

The OCS5erequests the NCS5fto set the port number corresponding to the port identification “HTTP” to be “8080” (step S126). The NCS5frequests the network service library24to set the port number corresponding to the port identification “HTTP” to be “8080” (step S127) The network service library24writes “8080” as the port number corresponding to the port identification “HTTP” that is managed in the port information management file F1(step S128). Accordingly, the port number corresponding to the port identification “HTTP” is changed from “80” to “8080”.

When the NCS5freceives a notification indicating an end of writing the port number from the network service library24(step S129), the NCS5finforms the end of writing the port number to the HTTP daemon51(step S130). The HTTP daemon51closes all ports opened by the HTTP daemon51(step S131). In this case, the port “80” for the HTTP and the port “8080” for the HTTPS are closed.

Next, the NCS5factivates the HTTP daemon51(step S132). Also, the Web application20requests the HTTP daemon51to register a port to use, by using the port identification (step S133).

The HTTP daemon51requests the network service library24to obtain the port number (step S134). In this case, the HTTP daemon51requests port numbers corresponding to the port identification “HTTP” and the port identification “HTTPS”, respectively.

The network service library24reads the port numbers corresponding to the port identification “HTTP” and the port identification “HTTPS”, respectively, from the port information management file F1. That is, the network service library24searches for the port information management file F1based on the port identification (step S135), obtains each port number from the port information management file F1(step S136), and then informs each port number to the HTTP daemon51. In this case, the port number “8080” corresponding to the port identification “HTTP” and the port number “443” corresponding to the port identification “HTTPS” are informed to the HTTP daemon51.

The HTTP daemon51opens the port “8080” and the port “443” (step S137). In this case, the port “8080” is newly opened for the HTTP, and the port “443” closed in step S131is opened for the HTTPS.

A case, in which the user changes the port number for the HTTP by using the Web browser of the HTTP client9, will be described with reference toFIG. 13.

FIG. 13is a diagram for explaining an operation in a case of providing a screen for changing the port number, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 13, the user sends an HTTP request for requesting a screen for setting (changing) the port number by indicating the port “80” being normally used at the HTTP client9(step S41).

When the HTTP request is received at the port “80” from the HTTP client9, the NCS5fdistributes a process to the Websys20athrough the Web application library22and the Web page library23(step S42). The Websys20asends a port number obtain request for requesting a current port number for the HTTP to the NCS5f(step S43). When the port number obtained from the port information management file F1by the network service library24is informed from the network service library24, the Websys20acreates an HTTP port number change screen displaying the current port number for the HTTP, and then the HTTP port number change screen is provided as an HTTP response to the HTTP client9through the NCS5f(step S45).

A state shown inFIG. 5, in which the port state is obtained by the Websys20a, is described above.

For example, the HTTP port number change screen provided to the HTTP client9as described above is displayed at the HTTP client9as shown inFIG. 14.FIG. 14is a diagram showing an example of the HTTP port number change screen, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In the HTTP port number change screen41shown inFIG. 14, when the user selects (or clicks by a mouse or a like) “port number”41afrom a menu (step S41inFIG. 13), a current port number display area41band a new port number setting area41care displayed. In this case, the current port number display area41bshows “80” before the port number is changed. For example, when the user sets “8080” to the new port number setting area41cand clicks an apply button41d, an operation shown inFIG. 15is conducted.

FIG. 15is a diagram for explaining an operation in a case of changing the port number, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 15, when the OCS5ereceives the HTTP request for setting the port number at the port “80” from the HTTP client9(step S50), the OCS5edistributes a process for setting the port number for the HTTP to be “8080” to the Websys20athrough the Web application library22and the Web page library23(step S51).

The Websys20arequests the NCS5fto set the port number identified by the port identification “HTTP” to be “8080” (step S52). When the NCS5freceives a port number setting request from the Websys20a, the NCS5frequests the network service library24to set the port number of the port identification “HTTP” to be “8080” (step S53). The Websys20acreates a screen displaying an address for the port number set to be “8080”, and sends the screen displaying the changed address to the HTTP client9(step S52-1).

When the network service library24receives the port number setting request, the network service library24searches for the port information management file F1based on the port identification “HTTP” (step S54), and sets (changes) the port number corresponding to the port identification “HTTP” (step S55).

On the other hand, the NCS5finstructs the HTTP daemon51to end the operation (step S56) When the HTTP daemon51receives an instruction of the end of the operation in step S56, the HTTP daemon51closes all ports being opened by the HTTP daemon51(step S57). Subsequently, the HTTP daemon51requests the network service library24to update the port state (step S58). The network service library24refers to the port information management file F1and changes the port state showing “ACTIVE” to be “INACTIVE” (step S59). After that, the operation of the HTTP daemon51ends (step S60).

After the operation of the HTTP daemon51ends, the NCS5factivates the HTTP daemon51again (step S61). In addition, the NCS5frequests the e-mail notification application200bto inform a user to change the port number for the HTTP (step S62).

The e-mail notification application200bobtains a plurality of e-mail addresses of users, who are registered to the image forming apparatus1, from the UCS5g, sets the plurality of e-mail addresses as destinations, and sends e-mails informing the change of the port number from a port that is temporarily opened for an e-mail transmission (step S63). The e-mails sent to the plurality of users are collected to a predetermined mail server300through the network10, and distributed to the destinations.

For a user who changed the settings of the port number, a screen displaying an address in which the port number is changed to be “8080” is displayed at the HTTP client9. In addition, for a plurality of users of the image forming apparatus1, the address in which the port number is changed to be “8080” is informed by e-mail. Therefore, it is possible to certainly inform the address for a changed port number to the plurality of users using the image forming apparatus1.

For example, the screen displaying the address for the changed port number “8080” is displayed at the HTTP client9as shown inFIG. 16.

FIG. 16is a diagram showing an example, of the screen showing the changed port number, according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the screen42shown inFIG. 16, a message area42adisplays that settings of the port number are being processed by the image forming apparatus1, a message area42bdisplays a message regarding the address for the changed port number, and an address display area42cdisplays the address for the changed port number.

For example, the message area42adisplays a message such as “SETTINGS ARE NOW BEING PROCESSED” or a like. For example, the message area42cdisplays a message such “http://100.100.10.111:8080/” or a like. Accordingly, the address is displayed so that the port number “8080” is additionally provided after a host “100.100.10.111”.

After that, the user sends the HTTP request to the image forming apparatus1by using the address for the changed port number. For example, when the user accesses the address, the user may add the address to “FAVORITE” of the Web browser, and the user can easily accesses in the future.

FIG. 17is a diagram showing an example of an e-mail informing the address for the changed port number, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 17, the e-mail43shows a title43a, a message43bshowing a message informing the address for the changed port number, and the address display area42cdisplaying the address for the changed port number.

For example, the title43asuch as “NOTICE FROM ADMINISTRATOR” prompts the user to read the e-mail43. For example, the message43bshows a purpose of the e-mail43by “SERVER SETTINGS ARE CHANGED. PLEASE ACCESS THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS IN THE FUTURE;”. For example, the address display area43cdisplaying such as “http://100.100.10.11:8080/”. The address is displayed so that the port number “8080” is additionally provided after a host “100.100.10.11”.

After that, the user sends the HTTP request to the image forming apparatus1by using the address for the changed port number. For example, when the user accesses the address, the user may add the address to “FAVORITE” of the Web browser, and the user can easily accesses in the future.

By informing the address for the changed port number in this manner, it is possible to inform the address for the changed port number to all the plurality of users using the image forming apparatus1.

For example, a screen, which is displayed in a case of using the address in the address display area42cinFIG. 16or the address in the address display area43cinFIG. 17, is displayed as shown inFIG. 18.FIG. 18is a diagram showing an example of a screen in a case of using an address indicating the changed port number, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In the screen44shown inFIG. 18, for example, when the user indicates an address44ashowing “http://100.100.10.111:8080/web/user/ja/websys/webArch/m ainframe.cgi”, information is normally displayed in an information display area44bthrough the port “8080”.

Next, an operation for setting (changing) the port number for the HTTP from the operation panel113of the image forming apparatus1will be described with reference toFIG. 19andFIG. 20.

FIG. 19is a diagram for explaining the operation in a case of setting the port number by using the operation panel113, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 19, for example, the user changes the port number at a screen displayed at the operation panel113as shown inFIG. 20A(step S71).

An example of a screen displayed at the operation panel113possible to set the port number will be described with reference toFIG. 20AandFIG. 20B.FIG. 20Ais a diagram showing an example of a port setting screen displayed at the operation panel113, according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the screen45shown inFIG. 20A, when the user selects a button45afor setting or changing the port number, “80” is displayed at a display area45bfor displaying a current port number, and also an input area45cfor inputting a new port number is displayed. The user inputs a desired port number into an input area45cby using a ten-key45f. Then, when the user sets the new port number, the user selects a “SET” button45d. On the other hand, in a case of canceling the settings for the new port number, the user selects a “CANCEL” button45e.

Accordingly, when the user inputs and sets “8080” as the new port number and selects “SET” button45d, the new port number “8080” for the HTTP is informed to the OCS5e. That is, the OCS5erequests the NCS5fto set the port number “8080” of the port identification “HTTP” (step S72). Also, the OCS5edisplays a screen as shown inFIG. 20Bat the operation panel113.FIG. 20Bis a diagram showing an example of the port change notification screen displayed at the operation panel113, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 20B, parts that are the same as those shown in the screen45inFIG. 20Aare given the same reference numbers, and the explanation thereof will be omitted. In the screen46shown inFIG. 20B, for example, a display area46displays a message such as “TEMPORARILY IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCESS BECAUSE OF RESET TO REWRITE SETTINGS. PLEASE WAIT MOMENTARILY AND ACCESS THE FOLLOWING URL: http://100.100.10.11:8080”. By this message, the user can confirm that the address is changed to request a process to the image forming apparatus1through the network10or10b.

The NCS5frequests the network service library24to set the port number of the port identification “HTTP” to be “8080” (step S73). The network service library24searches for the port information management file F1based on the port identification “HTTP”, and rewrites a value45gof the port number corresponding to the port identification “HTTP” to be “8080” (step S75). After that, the NCS5finstructs the HTTP daemon51to end the process (step S76).

The daemon51closes all ports opened by the HTTP daemon51(step S77), and requests the network service library24to update the port state (step S78). The network service library24changes a relative port state to be “INACTIVE” (step S79). Then, the HTTP daemon51ends the operation (step S80).

After that, the NCS5factivates the HTTP daemon51again (step S81), and requests the HTTP daemon51to send an e-mail informing the port number for the HTTP (step S82).

The e-mail notification application200bobtains a plurality of e-mail addresses of users, who are registered to the image forming apparatus1, from the UCS5g, sets the plurality of e-mail addresses as destinations, and sends e-mails informing the change of the port number from a port that is temporarily opened for an e-mail transmission (step S83). The e-mails sent to the plurality of users are collected to a predetermined mail server300through the network10, and distributed to the destinations. The e-mail sent in step S82is the same as the example of the e-mail shown inFIG. 17.

Accordingly, it is possible to inform the change of the address to the plurality of users who use the image forming apparatus1.

FIG. 21is a diagram showing an operation in a case of setting the port number, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 21, when the OCS5ereceives a port number setting request from the operation panel113(step S151), the OCS5ereturns a response for the request (step S152-2) The OCS5erequests the NCS5fto set the port number of the port identification “HTTP” to be “8080” (step S152). Similarly, when the Websys20areceives the port number setting request from the HTTP client9(step S151) the Websys20areturns a response for the port number setting request (step S152-2). The Websys20arequests the NCS5fto set the port number of the port identification “HTTP” to be “8080” (step S152).

When the NCS5freceives a port number setting request from the Websys20a, the NCS5frequests the network service library24to set the port number of the port identification “HTTP” to be “8080” (step S153).

When the network service library24receives the port number setting request, the network service library24writes “8080” as the port number corresponding to the port identification “HTTP”. That is, the network service library24searches for the port information management file F1based on the port identification “HTTP” (step S154), and sets (changes) the port number corresponding to the port identification “HTTP” to be “8080” (step S155).

On the other hand, the NCS5finstructs the HTTP daemon51to end the operation of the HTTP daemon51(step S156). When the HTTP daemon51receives an end instruction in step S156, the HTTP daemon51closes all ports previously opened by the HTTP daemon51(step S157). Subsequently, the HTTP daemon51requests the network service library24to update the port state (step S158). The network service library24writes the port state. That is, the network service library24refers to the port information management file F1, and changes the port state showing “ACTIVE” to be “INACTIVE” (step S159). After that, the HTTP daemon51ends the operation of the HTTP daemon51(step S160).

When the HTTP daemon51ends the operation of the HTTP daemon51, the NCS5factivates the HTTP daemon51again (step S161). Then, the NCS5frequests the e-mail notification application200bto inform the change of the port number for the HTTP by e-mail (step S162).

The e-mail notification application20bobtains e-mail addresses of the plurality of users, who are registered to the image forming apparatus1, from the UCS5g, sets the plurality of e-mail addresses as destinations, and sends e-mails informing the change of the port number from a port that is temporarily opened for an e-mail transmission (step S163).

A state transition of the port information management file F1by the operation in the case of setting the port number for the HTTP will be described with reference toFIG. 22A,FIG. 22B, andFIG. 22C.FIG. 22Ais a diagram showing a state of the port information management file before the port number is changed by the network service library in steps S154and S155inFIG. 21, according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the port information management file F1inFIG. 22A, for example, for the port identification “HTTP”, the port number field shows “80”, the secured field shows “-” (not set), and the port state field shows “ACTIVE”. Moreover, for the port identification “HTTPS”, the port number field shows “443”, the secured field shows “TRUE”, the server certificate ID field shows “0” (zero), and the port state field shows “ACTIVE”.

FIG. 22Bis a diagram showing the state of the port information management file after the port number is changed by the network service library in steps S154and S155inFIG. 21, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 22B, the port number of the port identification “HTTP” is changed from “80” to “8080”.

FIG. 22Cis a diagram showing the state of the port information management file after the port state is written by the network service library in step S159inFIG. 21, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 22C, the port state of the port identification “HTTP” is changed from “ACTIVE” to “INACTIVE”. Similarly, the port state of the port identification “HTTPS” is changed from “ACTIVE” to “INACTIVE”.

FIG. 23is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the case of changing the port number, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 23, when the OCS5ereceives a port number setting request from the operation panel113(step S251), the OCS5ereturns a response for the port number setting request (step S252-2). The OCS5erequests the NCS5fto set the port number of the port identification “HTTP” to be “8080” (step S252). Similarly, when the NCS5freceives the port number setting request from the HTTP client9(step S251), the Websys20areturns a response for the port number setting request (step S252-2). The Websys20arequests the NCS5fto set the port number of the port identification “HTTP” to be “8080” (step S252).

When the NCS5freceives a port number setting request, the NCS5frequests the network service library24to set the port number of the port identification “HTTP” to be “8080” (step S253).

When the network service library24receives the port number setting request, the network service library24writes “8080” as the port number corresponding to the port identification “HTTP”. That is, the network service library24searches for the port information management file F1based on port identification “HTTP” (step S254), and sets (changes) the port number corresponding to the port identification “HTTP” to be “8080” (step S255).

On the other hand, the NCS5finstructs the HTTP daemon51to end the operation of the daemon51(step S256) When the HTTP daemon51receives the end instruction in step S256, the HTTP daemon51closes all ports previously opened by the HTTP daemon51(step S257). Subsequently, the HTTP daemon51requests the network service library24to update the port state (step S258). The network service library24writes the port state. That is, the network service library24refers to the port information management file F1, changes the port state showing “ACTIVE” to be “INACTIVE”, and ends the operation of the daemon51(step S259).

After the HTTP daemon51ends the operation, the NCS5factivates the HTTP daemon51again (step S261). Next, the NCS5frequests the e-mail notification application200bto inform the change of the port number for the HTTP by e-mail (step S262).

The e-mail notification application200bobtains a plurality of e-mail addresses of users, who are registered to the image forming apparatus1, from the UCS5g, sets the plurality of e-mail addresses as destinations, sends e-mails informing the change of the port number from a port that is temporarily opened for an e-mail transmission, and ends the operation (step S263).

As described above, it is possible for the user to set the port number for the HTTP from the operation panel113or the HTTP client9. In this case, the port number corresponding to the port identification “HTTP” is set. Therefore, the user, the OCS5e, and the Websys20aare not required to concern a correspondence between a network protocol and the port number, and can simply indicate the port number corresponding to the port identification “HTTP”.

An operation in a case of using the changed port number will be described with reference toFIG. 24throughFIG. 27.

FIG. 24is a diagram showing the operation in the case of using the changed port number for the HTTP, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 24, the Websys20aof the Web application20requests the HTTP daemon51of the NCS5fto register the port identification (for example, HTTP and/or HTTPS) to use (step S91-1). Similarly, the SDK application200arequests the HTTP daemon51of the NCS5fto register the port identification (for example, HTTP) to use (step S91-2). It should be noted that an order of registrations is not defined by the step S91-1and the step S91-2.

The HTTP daemon51corresponds the application ID identifying a request originator to the port identification being request to register (step S92). The HTTP daemon51obtains the port number based on the port identification from the network service library24(step S93) When the network service library24receives a port number obtain request from the HTTP daemon51, the network service library24searches for the port information management file F1based on the port identification (step S94), obtains the port number from the port information management file F1(step S95), and then informs the port number to the HTTP daemon51.

Next, the HTTP daemon51opens a port specified by the port number obtained from the port information management file F1when the port is not opened (step S96) In this case, each of the port “8080” for the HTTP and the port “443” for the HTTPS is opened.

The HTTP daemon51updates the port state in a case in that the port is opened in step S96(step S97). When the network service library24receives a port state update request from the HTTP daemon51, the network service library24changes the port state of the port number indicated by the port state update request in the port information management file F1to be “ACTIVE”. In this case, the port “8080” for the HTTP and the port “443” for the HTTP are changed to “ACTIVE”.

When the HTTP client9sends the HTTP request to the port “80” being closed (step S100), since the port “80” is closed, the HTTP client9cannot access to the image forming apparatus1and then an error notification is displayed at the HTTP client9. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an illegal access to the port “80”.

The HTTP client9requests the Web page to the image forming apparatus1by using the port number “8080”. That is, when the HTTP request is sent to the image forming apparatus1through the port number “8080” (step S101), the image forming apparatus1receives the HTTP request by the port number “8080” (step S102). Therefore, it is possible for the image forming apparatus1to receive the HTTP request only from the user who knows the change of the port number.

The HTTP daemon51obtains the port identification from the port number through the network service library24(step S103). In this case, the port identification “HTTP” is obtained from the port number “8080”.

Also, the HTTP daemon51refers to the application ID-application path correspondence table53, and obtains the application ID from the application path of the HTTP request (step S104). In this case, the application ID “SDKAppl” is obtained from the application path “sdkappl”.

Moreover, the HTTP daemon51confirms a correspondence between the port identification and the application ID by referring to the application ID-port identification correspondence table54, and executes an application corresponding to application ID (step S105). In this case, the HTTP daemon51confirms by referring to the application ID-port identification correspondence table54that the application ID “SDKAppl” corresponds to the port identification “HTTP”, and executes the SDK application200aby using the application ID “SDKAppl” since the HTTP request is received at the port specified by the port identification “HTTP”.

FIG. 25is a diagram showing a detailed sequence for explaining the operation in the case of using the changed port number for the HTTP, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 25, when the Web application20or the SDK application200arequests the HTTP daemon51to register a port to use (step S191), the HTTP daemon51corresponds the application ID to the port identification to use by using the application ID-port identification correspondence table54(step S192).

Furthermore, the HTTP daemon51obtains the port identification from the network service library24based on the port number (step S193). When the network service library24receives a port number obtain request from the HTTP daemon51, the network service library24reads the port number from the port information management file F1based on the port identification. That is, the network service library24searches for the port information management file F1based on the port identification (step S194), obtains the port number from the port information management file F1(step S195), and then informs the port number to the HTTP daemon51.

Next, the HTTP daemon51opens the port specified by the port number obtained from the network service library24(step S196). In this case, each of the port “8080” for the HTTP and the port “443” for the HTTPS is opened.

When the HTTP daemon51opens the port in step S196, the HTTP daemon51updates the port state (step S197) When the network service library24receives a port state update request from the HTTP daemon51, the network service library24changes the port state of the port number indicated by the port state update request to be “ACTIVE” in the port information management file F1(step S198). In this case, each of the port “80” for the HTTP and the port “443” for the HTTPS is changed to “ACTIVE”.

The state transition of the port information management file by the operation in the case of using the changed port number for the HTTP will be described with reference toFIG. 26AandFIG. 26B.FIG. 26Ais a diagram showing a state of the port information management file when the port number is read by the network service library in step S194inFIG. 25, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 26A, for example, in the port information management file F1, for the port identification “HTTP”, the port number field shows “8080”, the secured field shows “FALSE”, the server certification ID field shows “-” (not set), and the port state field shows “INACTIVE”. Moreover, for the port identification “HTTPS”, the port number field shows “443”, the secured field shows “TRUE”, the server certification ID field shows “0”, and the port state field shows “INACTIVE”.

FIG. 26Bis a diagram showing the state of the port information management file when the port number is written by the network service library24, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 26B, it can be seen that the port state of the port identification “HTTP” is changed from the “INACTIVE” to “ACTIVE”, and similarly, the port state of the port identification “HTTPS” is changed from “INACTIVE” to “ACTIVE”.

FIG. 27is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the case of using the changed port number for the HTTP, according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 27, the Web application20or the SDK application200arequests the HTTP daemon51to register the port to use (step S291), and the HTTP daemon51corresponds the application ID to the port identification to use by using the application ID-port identification correspondence table54(step S292).

Moreover, the HTTP daemon51obtains the port number from the network service library24based on the port identification (step S293). When the network service library24receives a port number obtain request from the HTTP daemon51, the network service library24reads the port number form the port information management file F1based on the port identification. That is, the network service library24searches for the port identification management file F1based on the port identification (step S294), obtains the port number from the port information management file F1(step S295), and then informs the port number to the HTTP daemon.

The HTTP daemon51receives the port number “80” corresponding to the port identification “HTTP”, and obtains the port number “443” corresponding to the port identification “HTTPS” (step S296-1). The HTTP daemon51determines whether or not each of the port “8080” and the port “443” is opened (step S296-2). When both ports have been already opened, the operation is terminated.

On the other hand, when each of port “8080” and the port “443” is not opened, the HTTP daemon51opens each of port “8080” and the port “443” (step S296-3). In this case, the port “80” is not opened. Next, the HTTP daemon51requests the network service library24to update each port state of the port “8080” and “443” (step S297).

The network service library24writes the port states corresponding to the port number “8080” and the port number “443” (step S298). That is, the port states corresponding to the port number “8080” and the port number “443” are change to be “ACTIVE”.

According to the embodiment, the change of the address (URL for the changed port number) is informed to the plurality of users by the Web page (such as the screen42as shown inFIG. 16), and e-mails using the document distribution function (Scan to Mail). Alternatively, the change of the address (URL for the changed port number) can be informed by using fax numbers of the plurality of users managed by the UCS5gand conducting the fax application2b.

Moreover, as the communication protocol for the network, HTTP is used as an example but it is not limited to HTTP. Protocols such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol), IPP (Internet Printing Protocol), SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), and a like can be applied to the embodiment.

According to the present invention, by defining the port identification uniquely identifying the port corresponding to the network protocol and using the port identification to register the port to use in a Web server, it is possible to change the port number while the Web application being implemented in the image forming apparatus1and the SDK Web application do not concern the port number.

Moreover, an URL address to access the image forming apparatus1(business apparatus) including a new port number is informed to the plurality of users who are valid to use the image forming apparatus1when the port number is changed or newly set. Therefore, it is possible to easily inform the plurality of users that the port number is changed.

The present application is based on the Japanese Priority Application No. 2004-003119 filed on Jan. 8, 2004, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.