Abstract:
A service providing apparatus provides services in response to requests from a terminal equipment that is coupled thereto via a network. The apparatus includes a first interface part for a first function and used for connection to the terminal equipment, a second interface part for a second function and shared by the terminal equipment and processes of the service providing apparatus, and a shared function providing part interposed between the first and second interface parts for providing shared functions that are used when the terminal equipment that is connected to the service providing apparatus using the first interface part uses the second function.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to service providing methods, service providing apparatuses, computer-readable storage media and computer program products.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Recently, an image forming apparatus has been proposed that has the functions of various apparatuses, such as a printer, a copying apparatus, a facsimile apparatus and a scanner, provided within a single housing. Such an image forming apparatus is often referred to as a composite apparatus, a multi-function apparatus or a multi-function peripheral (MFP). In the composite apparatus, a display part, a printing part, an image pickup part and the like are provided within the single housing, and four kinds of applications are provided respectively corresponding to the printer, the copying apparatus, the facsimile apparatus and the scanner. By switching the applications, the composite apparatus can function as the printer, the copying apparatus, the facsimile apparatus and the scanner. For example, a Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No.2002-82806 proposes such a composite apparatus.  
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a system block diagram showing a functional structure of a conventional composite apparatus. A composite apparatus  1200  shown in  FIG. 1  includes a plotter  1201 , a scanner  1202 , other hardware resources  1203  such as a facsimile apparatus, applications  1240  ( 1211 ,  1212 ,  1213 ,  1214 ), control services  1250  ( 1222 ,  1224 ,  1225 ,  1226 ,  1227 ,  1228 ,  1229 ,  1230 ,  1231  ( 200 )), a system resource manager (SRM)  1223  and an operating system (OS)  1221 . The copy application  1211  includes a processing part  1300  exclusively for copy, and functions  1301  through  1305 . The facsimile application  121  includes a processing part  1310  exclusively for facsimile, and functions  1311  through  1315 . The scanner application  1213  includes a processing part  1320  exclusively for scanner, and functions  1321  through  1323 . The printer application  1214  includes a processing part  1330  exclusively for printer, and functions  1331  through  1333 .  
         [0006]     As may be seen from  FIG. 1 , the conventional composite apparatus  1200  is designed for each application  1240 . For example, the job managing function  1304  of the copy application  1211  and the job managing function  1314  of the facsimile application  121  are implemented separately, and the scan function  1301  of the copy application  1211  and the scan function  1311  of the scanner application  1213  are implemented separately. In other words, functions that carry out processes that are the same on the functional level, are implemented separately within the plurality of applications  1240 . Accordingly, there were problems in that the number of design steps for the conventional composite apparatus  1200  becomes extremely large, and that the code size of each application  1240  also becomes large.  
         [0007]     In order to eliminate these problems, those functions that carry out processes that are the same on the functional level may be integrated into a shared function (SF) and implemented in the composite apparatus  1200 .  FIG. 2  is a system block diagram showing a functional structure of an example of the composite apparatus having the shared functions (SFs) implemented therein.  
         [0008]     Compared to the composite apparatus  1200  shown in  FIG. 1 , the functional structure of the composite apparatus  1200  shown in  FIG. 2  has the functions that carry out the processes that are the same on the function level (and implemented within the plurality of applications  1240  in the case of the composite apparatus  1200  shown in  FIG. 1 ) integrated into each shared function (SF) and implemented, as a print SF  41  that provides the print function, a scan SF  43  that provides the scan function, and a storage SF  44  that provides the storage function, for example, as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0009]     In the composite apparatus  1200  shown in  FIG. 2 , the number of design steps for each application  1240  is reduced by the use of the SFs  41 ,  43  and  44 , and the code size of each application  1240  can be made small.  
         [0010]     However, in the composite apparatus  1200  shown in  FIG. 2 , it is necessary to implement functions related to processes via a network, such as user authentication and session management, in the facsimile application  1212 , the scanner application  1213 , the printer application  1214  and the like when using the scanner via the network, using the facsimile via the network or printing the document stored via the network, for example.  
         [0011]     Therefore, in the case of the composite apparatus  1200  shown in  FIG. 1  in which the functions that carry out the processes that are the same on the function level are implemented in each of the applications  1240 , there were problems in that the number of design steps becomes extremely large, and the code size of each application  1240  also becomes large. In addition, there was a problem in that similar test items must be carried out with respect to each of the created applications  1240 .  
         [0012]     On the other hand, in the case of the composite apparatus  1200  shown in  FIG. 2 , every time the function related to the process via the network is modified, for example, a similar modification must be made in each of the applications  1240 . As a result, there were problems in that the modification to each of the applications  1240  may cause generation of bugs or the like, and the quality is difficult to maintain.  
         [0013]     In addition, in the conventional composite apparatus  1200 , a protocol interface part for providing a corresponding interface with respect to the various kinds of protocols cannot be designed unless the kind of middlewear provided is known. Furthermore, when a middlewear is newly added, it is necessary to create a new interface part accordingly, and there were problems in that the development of the middlewear requires extensive work, and it is difficult to cope with the addition of a new function and to cope with a new protocol.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a novel and useful service providing method, service providing apparatus, computer-readable storage medium and computer program product, in which the problems described above are suppressed.  
         [0015]     Another and more specific object of the present invention is to provide a service providing method, a service providing apparatus, a computer-readable storage medium and a computer program product, which may be developed with ease and can provide services having a desired quality.  
         [0016]     Still another and more specific object of the present invention is to provide a service providing apparatus for providing a plurality of services in response to requests from a terminal equipment that is coupled thereto via a network, comprising a first interface part for a first function and configured to be used for connection to the terminal equipment; a second interface part for a second function and configured to be shared by the terminal equipment and processes of the service providing apparatus; and a shared function providing part, interposed between the first and second interface parts, configured to provide shared functions that are used when the terminal equipment that is connected to the service providing apparatus using the first interface part uses the second function. According to the service providing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to develop the service providing apparatus with ease and provide services having a desired quality.  
         [0017]     A further object of the present invention is to provide a service providing method adapted to a service providing apparatus that provides a plurality of services in response to requests from a terminal equipment that is coupled thereto via a network, said service providing apparatus comprising a first interface part for a first function and configured to be used for connection to the terminal equipment, a second interface part for a second function and configured to be shared by the terminal equipment and processes of the service providing apparatus, and a shared function providing part interposed between the first and second interface parts, wherein the service providing method comprises a step providing the shared functions by the shared function providing part when the terminal equipment is connected to the service providing apparatus using the first interface part and uses the second function. According to the service providing method of the present invention, it is possible to develop the service providing apparatus with ease and provide services having a desired quality.  
         [0018]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to operate as a service providing apparatus for providing a plurality of services in response to requests from a terminal equipment that is coupled thereto via a network, wherein the program causes the computer to function as a first interface part for a first function and configured to be used for connection to the terminal equipment; a second interface part for a second function and configured to be shared by the terminal equipment and processes of the service providing apparatus; and a shared function providing part, interposed between the first and second interface parts, configured to provide shared functions that are used when the terminal equipment that is connected to the service providing apparatus using the first interface part uses the second function. According to the computer program product of the present invention, it is possible to develop the service providing apparatus with ease and provide services having a desired quality.  
         [0019]     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable storage medium comprising the computer program product described above, wherein the program is stored in a recording medium. According to the computer-readable storage medium of the present invention, it is possible to develop the service providing apparatus with ease and provide services having a desired quality.  
         [0020]     Other objects and further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is a system block diagram showing a functional structure of a conventional composite apparatus;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a system block diagram showing a functional structure of an example of the composite apparatus having shared functions (SFs) implemented therein;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a system block diagram showing a functional structure of a composite apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a diagram showing a functional structure of an entire framework;  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a diagram showing a functional structure of an UPnP printer for a case where the framework is applied to the UPnP printer;  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a diagram showing a functional structure of a printer capable of equipment management by a browser for a case where the framework is applied to the printer capable of equipment management by the browser;  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a functional structure of a Web service and Web browser compatible composite apparatus for a case where the framework is applied to the Web service and Web browser compatible composite apparatus;  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is a diagram showing a functional structure of an exclusive client interface compatible composite apparatus for a case where the framework is applied to the exclusive client interface compatible composite apparatus;  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is a sequence diagram for explaining a print operation;  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  is a sequence diagram for explaining a document referring operation;  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is a sequence diagram for explaining a modification of user information;  
         [0032]      FIG. 12  is a class diagram showing a relationship of classes related to management of authentication and right of use;  
         [0033]      FIG. 13  is a diagram showing a functional structure of a server platform;  
         [0034]      FIG. 14  is a sequence diagram showing a document referring operation;  
         [0035]      FIG. 15  is a sequence diagram showing a user information referring operation;  
         [0036]      FIG. 16  is a class diagram showing a relationship of classes related to referring of information;  
         [0037]      FIG. 17  is a class diagram showing a relationship of the classes related to referring of information;  
         [0038]      FIG. 18  is a diagram showing a functional structure of the server platform;  
         [0039]      FIG. 19  is a sequence diagram showing a setting of document information;  
         [0040]      FIG. 20  is a sequence diagram showing a setting of user information;  
         [0041]      FIG. 21  is a class diagram showing a relationship of the classes related to setting of information;  
         [0042]      FIG. 22  is a state transition diagram for explaining an information setting request;  
         [0043]      FIG. 23  is a diagram showing a functional structure of the server platform;  
         [0044]      FIG. 24  is a sequence diagram showing a print operation;  
         [0045]      FIG. 25  is a sequence diagram showing a scanner operation;  
         [0046]      FIG. 26  is a class diagram showing a relationship of classes related to the print and scanner operations;  
         [0047]      FIG. 27  is a state transition diagram for explaining a job operation request;  
         [0048]      FIG. 28  is a diagram showing a functional structure of the server platform;  
         [0049]      FIG. 29  is a diagram showing an entire functional structure of the server platform;  
         [0050]      FIG. 30  is a diagram showing a link of the shared function and the server platform;  
         [0051]      FIG. 31  is a diagram showing a link of the shared function and the server platform;  
         [0052]      FIG. 32  is a diagram for explaining differences in interfaces of the SF layer and the service layer;  
         [0053]      FIG. 33  is a class diagram showing an entire relationship of the classes;  
         [0054]      FIG. 34  is a class diagram showing a shared function providing part that is formed by a single part;  
         [0055]      FIG. 35  is a flow chart for explaining request and response operations;  
         [0056]      FIG. 36  is a collaboration diagram for a case where a check of a right of use in a step S 3  shown in  FIG. 35  is OK;  
         [0057]      FIG. 37  is a flow chart for explaining a job operation;  
         [0058]      FIG. 38  is a collaboration diagram for a case where the job operation is requested;  
         [0059]      FIG. 39  is a diagram showing an entire functional structure of the server platform;  
         [0060]      FIG. 40  is a class diagram showing an entire relationship of the classes that are implemented in the shared function providing part of the server platform shown in  FIG. 39 ;  
         [0061]      FIG. 41  is a diagram showing a functional structure of an audio visual equipment for a case where the framework is applied to the audio visual equipment;  
         [0062]      FIG. 42  is a diagram showing a functional structure of a cooking appliance for a case where the framework is applied to the cooking appliance;  
         [0063]      FIG. 43  is a diagram showing a functional structure of an air conditioner for a case where the framework is applied to the air conditioner; and  
         [0064]      FIG. 44  is a diagram showing a functional structure of a washing machine for a case where the framework is applied to the washing machine. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0065]     A description will be given of embodiments of the present invention, by referring to  FIG. 3  and the subsequent drawings.  FIG. 3  is a system block diagram showing a functional structure of a composite apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0066]     A composite apparatus  1200  shown in  FIG. 3  includes a plotter  1201 , a scanner  1202 , other hardware resources  1203  such as a facsimile apparatus, applications  1240  ( 1211 ,  1212 ,  1213 ,  1214 ,  100 ), control services  1250  ( 1222 ,  1224 ,  1225 ,  1226 ,  1227 ,  1228 ,  1229 ,  1230 ,  1231  ( 200 )), a system resource manager (SRM)  1223  and an operating system (OS)  1221 . The control services  1250  analyzes the process requests from the applications  1240 , and generate acquisition requests for the hardware resources. The system resource manager  1223  manages one or a plurality of hardware resources, and carries out an arbitration with respect to the acquisition requests from the control services  1250 .  
         [0067]     The control services  1250  are formed by a plurality of service modules, namely, a system control service (SCS)  1222 , an engine control service (ECS)  1224 , a facsimile control service (FCS)  1225 , a memory control service (MCS)  1226 , a delivery control service (DCS)  1227 , a user control service (UCS)  1228 , a certification control service (CCS)  1229 , a log control service (LCS)  1230 , and a network control service (NCS)  1231 .  
         [0068]     The operating system  1221  is formed by a UNIX (registered trademark) operating system (OS), for example. The system resource manager  1223  carries out the system control and the resource management together with the system control service  1222 . The system control service  1222  carries out a plurality of functions including application management, operation part control, system screen display, LED display, resource management, and interrupt application control. The engine control service  1224  controls an engine part of the plotter  1201  or the like.  
         [0069]     The facsimile control service  1225  provides an application program interface (API) for carrying out facsimile transmission and reception using PSTN/ISDN networks from each application layer of a system controller, registration/reference of various facsimile data managed by a backup memory (backup SRAM), facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, and multi-function (composite) transmission and reception.  
         [0070]     The memory control service  1226  carries out a memory control. The delivery control service  1227  carries out processes such as transferring stored documents ton an external server, a user&#39;s personal computer (PC) or the like. The user control service  1228  carries out management and the like of user information and/or group information of a group to which the user belongs. The certification control service  1229  carries out user authentication or the like. The log control service  1230  carries out management and the like of logs.  
         [0071]     The network control service  1231  carries out an intervening process when distributing data received from the network by each protocol to each application, and transmitting data from the application to the network, for example.  
         [0072]     The applications  1240  include a copy application  1211 , a facsimile application  1212 , a scanner application  1213 , a printer application  1214 , and a server platform  100 .  
         [0073]     Compared to the functional structure of the composite apparatus  1200  shown in  FIG. 2 , the functional structure of the composite apparatus  1200  shown in  FIG. 3  differs in that the functions related to processes via the network and implemented within the plurality of applications  1240  in  FIG. 2  are integrated and implemented within the server platform  100  in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0074]     A print shared function (SF)  41 , a scan shared function (SF)  43  and a storage shared function (SF)  44  shown in  FIG. 3  are not only used from each application within the composite apparatus  100 , but also used from the server platform  100 . The print SF  41 , the scan SF  43  and the storage SF  44  are not dependent upon the devices, the model, the operating system and the like that are provided in the composite apparatus  1200 , and form components that can provide an interface for macro processes in units of functions.  
         [0075]     The programs of the composite apparatus  1200  may be preinstalled in the composite apparatus  1200  or, may be provided to the composite apparatus  1200  by way of a recording medium  1  or downloaded to the composite apparatus  1200  via the network. A CPU of the composite apparatus  1200  executes processes according to the programs.  
         [0076]      FIG. 4  is a diagram showing a functional structure of an entire framework. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the framework includes, as network services (first functions), an httpd  200 , an ftpd (File Transfer Protocol Daemon)  210  and an smtpd (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol Daemon)  220 . The httpd  200 , the ftpd  210  and the smtpd  220  are included within the network control service  1231 .  
         [0077]     In addition, the framework includes, as shared function (SF) layers or service layers (second functions), the print SF  41  that provides the print function, the facsimile SF  42  that provides the facsimile function, the scan SF  43  that provides the scan function, the storage SF  44  that provides the storage function, the log control service  1230  that carries out the management of the log and the like, and the system control service  1222 .  
         [0078]     The server platform  100  includes a middlewear interface part (second interface part or means)  30  for utilizing middlewear groups that provide various kinds of functions, a protocol interface part (first interface part or means)  10  for analyzing various kinds of protocols and operation sequences, and a shared function providing part (or means)  20  for defining the functions that are shared (that is, used in common) when carrying out the various kinds of functions according to the various kinds of protocols.  
         [0079]     The protocol interface part  10  provides an interface that is shared (that is, used in common) from the networks. For example, the protocol interface part  10  includes an HTML analyzing part  11  for analyzing the HTML (HyperText Markup Language), an UPnP analyzing part  12  for analyzing the UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), a WS analyzing part  13  for analyzing the WS (Web Service), and a custom interface (I/F) analyzing part  14  for analyzing a custom I/F.  
         [0080]     The middlewear interface part  30  provides an interface that is not only shared from the networks, but also shared from the applications  1240  and the shared functions (SFs) within the composite apparatus  1200 . The middlewear interface part  30  provides the interface within the equipment, such as the shared function (SF) layer and the service layer.  
         [0081]     For example, the middlewear interface part  30  includes a print SF I/F  31  that provides an interface between the shared function providing part  20  and the print SF  41 , a facsimile SF I/F  32  that provides an interface between the shared function providing part  20  and the facsimile SF  42 , a scan SF I/F  33  that provides an interface between the shared function providing part  20  and the scan SF  43 , a storage SF I/F  34  that provides an interface between the shared function providing part  20  and the storage SF  44 , a job I/F  35  that provides an interface between the shared function providing part  20  and the log control service  1230 , and a system I/F  36  that provides an interface between the shared function providing part  20  and the system control service  1222 .  
         [0082]     By employing the functional structure of the framework shown in  FIG. 4 , the designer of the protocol interface part  10  only needs to know the interface between the protocol interface part  10  and the shared function providing part  20  in order to design the protocol interface part  10 . Further, the designer of the middlewear interface part  30  only needs to know the interface between the middlewear interface part  30  and the shared function providing part  20  in order to design the middlewear interface part  30 .  
         [0083]     Accordingly, in the case of the framework having the functional structure shown in  FIG. 4 , the protocol interface part  10  and the middlewear interface part  30  can be designed independently, and a design modification or the like does not affect each other. For this reason, it is possible to easily cope with situations such as the addition of a new function the use of a new protocol.  
         [0084]     Next, a description will be given of a functional structure of a UPnP compatible printer for a case where the framework shown in  FIG. 4  is applied to this compatible UPnP printer, by referring to  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5  is a diagram showing the functional structure of the UPnP compatible printer for the case where the framework is applied to the compatible UPnP printer.  
         [0085]     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the UPnP compatible printer includes, as network services, an httpd  200 , an ftpd  210  and an smtpd  220 .  
         [0086]     In addition, the server platform  100  includes a protocol interface part  10 , a shared function providing part  20  and a middlewear interface part  30 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the protocol interface part  10  includes an UPnP analyzing part  12 . Moreover, the middlewear interface part  30  includes a print SF I/D  31 , a job I/F  35  and a system I/F  36 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The UPnP compatible printer includes, as the SF layers or the service layers, a print SF  41 , a log control service  1230  and a system control service  1222 .  
         [0087]     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the framework shown in  FIG. 4  can also be applied to the UPnP compatible printer. The programs of the UPnP compatible printer may be preinstalled in the UPnP compatible printer or, may be provided to the UPnP compatible printer by way of a recording medium  1  or downloaded to the UPnP compatible printer via the network. A CPU of the UPnP compatible printer executes processes according to the programs.  
         [0088]     Next, a description will be given of a functional structure of a printer capable of equipment management by a browser for a case where the framework shown in  FIG. 4  is applied to this printer capable of equipment management by the browser, by referring to  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  is a diagram showing the functional structure of the printer capable of equipment management by the browser for the case where the framework is applied to this printer capable of equipment management by the browser.  
         [0089]     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the printer capable of equipment management by the browser includes, as network services, an httpd  200 , an ftpd  210  and an smtpd  220 .  
         [0090]     In addition, the server platform  100  includes a protocol interface part  10 , a shared function providing part  20  and a middlewear interface part  30 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the protocol interface part  10  includes an HTML analyzing part  11  and an UPnP analyzing part  12 . Moreover, the middlewear interface part  30  includes a print SF I/D  31 , a job I/F  35  and a system I/F  36 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The printer capable of equipment management by the browser includes, as the SF layers or the service layers, a print SF  41 , a log control service  1230  and a system control service  1222 .  
         [0091]     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the framework shown in  FIG. 4  can also be applied to the printer capable of equipment management by the browser. The programs of the printer capable of equipment management by the browser may be preinstalled in the printer capable of equipment management by the browser or, may be provided to the printer capable of equipment management by the browser by way of a recording medium  1  or downloaded to the printer capable of equipment management by the browser via the network. A CPU of the printer capable of equipment management by the browser executes processes according to the programs.  
         [0092]     Next, a description will be given of a functional structure of a Web service and Web browser compatible composite apparatus  1200  for a case where the framework shown in  FIG. 4  is applied to this Web service and Web browser compatible composite apparatus  1200 , by referring to  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 7  is a diagram showing the functional structure of the Web service and Web browser compatible composite apparatus  1200  for the case where the framework is applied to the Web service and Web browser compatible composite apparatus  1200 .  
         [0093]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the Web service and Web browser compatible composite apparatus  1200  includes, as network services, an httpd  200 , an ftpd  210  and an smtpd  220 .  
         [0094]     In addition, the server platform  100  includes a protocol interface part  10 , a shared function providing part  20  and a middlewear interface part  30 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the protocol interface part  10  includes an HTML analyzing part  11 , and a WE analyzing part  13 . Moreover, the middlewear interface part  30  includes a print SF I/D  31 , a facsimile SF I/F  32 , a scan SF I/F  33 , a storage SF I/F  34 , a job I/F  35  and a system I/F  36 , as shown in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0095]     The Web service and Web browser compatible composite apparatus  1200  includes, as the SF layers or the service layers, a print SF  41 , a facsimile SF  42 , a scan SF  43 , a storage SF  44 , a log control service  1230  and a system control service  1222 .  
         [0096]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the framework shown in  FIG. 4  can also be applied to the Web service and Web browser compatible composite apparatus  1200 . The programs of the Web service and Web browser compatible composite apparatus  1200  may be preinstalled in the Web service and Web browser compatible composite apparatus  1200  or, may be provided to the Web service and Web browser compatible composite apparatus  1200  by way of a recording medium  1  or downloaded to the Web service and Web browser compatible composite apparatus  1200  via the network. A CPU of the Web service and Web browser compatible composite apparatus  1200  executes processes according to the programs.  
         [0097]     Next, a description will be given of a functional structure of an exclusive client interface compatible composite apparatus  1200  for a case where the framework shown in  FIG. 4  is applied to this exclusive client interface compatible composite apparatus  1200 , by referring to  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8  is a diagram showing the functional structure of the exclusive client interface compatible composite apparatus  1200  for the case where the framework is applied to the exclusive client interface compatible composite apparatus  1200 .  
         [0098]     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the exclusive client interface compatible composite apparatus  1200  includes, as network services, an httpd  200 , an ftpd  210  and an smtpd  220 .  
         [0099]     In addition, the server platform  100  includes a protocol interface part  10 , a shared function providing part  20  and a middlewear interface part  30 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the protocol interface part  10  includes a custom I/F analyzing part  14 . Moreover, the middlewear interface part  30  includes a print SF I/D  31 , a facsimile SF I/F  32 , a scan SF I/F  33 , a storage SF I/F  34 , a job I/F  35  and a system I/F  36 , as shown in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0100]     The exclusive client interface compatible composite apparatus  1200  includes, as the SF layers or the service layers, a print SF  41 , a facsimile SF  42 , a scan SF  43 , a storage SF  44 , a log control service  1230  and a system control service  1222 .  
         [0101]     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the framework shown in  FIG. 4  can also be applied to the exclusive client interface compatible composite apparatus  1200 . The programs of the exclusive client interface compatible composite apparatus  1200  may be preinstalled in the exclusive client interface compatible composite apparatus  1200  or, may be provided to the exclusive client interface compatible composite apparatus  1200  by way of a recording medium  1  or downloaded to the exclusive client interface compatible composite apparatus  1200  via the network. A CPU of the exclusive client interface compatible composite apparatus  1200  executes processes according to the programs.  
         [0102]     Next, a description will be given of the concept of the functions related to the shared processes via the network, by referring to  FIGS. 9 through 11 .  
         [0103]      FIG. 9  is a sequence diagram for explaining a print operation. Generally, the client who requests the printing sends a client authentication request to a server that is connected to the client via the network (sequence SQ 1 ). The server that receives the client authentication request from the client carries out an authentication based on data related to the authentication and included in the client authentication request, such as a user name and a password.  
         [0104]     The authenticated client (that is, a valid client for which the authentication is successful) sends a session start request to the server (sequence SQ 2 ). The server judges whether or not the received session start request is from the valid client, and starts a session with the client if it is judged that the session start request is received from the valid client. Next, the client sends a print start request to the server (sequence SQ 3 ).  
         [0105]     The server starts printing based on the print start request, and when the printing ends, the server sends a print end notification to the client (sequence SQ 4 ). When the client receives the print end notification, the client sends a session end request to the server (sequence SQ 5 ).  
         [0106]      FIG. 10  is a sequence diagram for explaining a document referring operation. Generally, the client who requests the document referring sends a client authentication request to a server that is connected to the client via the network (sequence SQ 1 O). The server that receives the client authentication request from the client carries out an authentication based on data related to the authentication and included in the client authentication request, such as a user name and a password.  
         [0107]     The authenticated client (that is, a valid client for which the authentication is successful) sends a session start request to the server (sequence SQ 11 ). The server judges whether or not the received session start request is from the valid client, and starts a session with the client if it is judged that the session start request is received from the valid client.  
         [0108]     Next, the client sends a document search start request to the server (sequence SQ 12 ). The server starts document search based on the document search start request, and when the document search ends, the server sends a document search result notification to the client (sequence SQ 13 ). When the client receives the document search result notification, the client sends a document acquisition request to the server (sequence SQ 14 ). After the client acquires the document, the client sends a session end request to the server (sequence Q 15 ).  
         [0109]      FIG. 11  is a sequence diagram for explaining a modification of user information. Generally, the client who requests the modification of user information sends a client authentication request to a server that is connected to the client via the network (sequence SQ 20 ). The server that receives the client authentication request from the client carries out an authentication based on data related to the authentication and included in the client authentication request, such as a user name and a password.  
         [0110]     The authenticated client (that is, a valid client for which the authentication is successful) sends a session start request to the server (sequence SQ 21 ). The server judges whether or not the received session start request is from the valid client, and starts a session with the client if it is judged that the session start request is received from the valid client.  
         [0111]     Next, the client sends a user information modifying instruction (or request) to the server (sequence SQ 22 ). When the modification of the user information ends, the client sends a session end request to the server (sequence SQ 23 ).  
         [0112]     As shown in  FIGS. 9 through 11 , the portions surrounded by dotted lines that carry out processes related to the authentication and the session (right of use) management can be shared. A relationship of classes related to management of authentication and right of use, that is implemented in the shared function providing part  20  of the server platform  100 , is shown in  FIG. 12 .  
         [0113]      FIG. 12  is a class diagram showing the relationship of the classes related to the management of the authentication and the right of use. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the shared function providing part  20  includes a service user class, a personal identification class, an authenticated user list (or directory) class, a right of use class, and usable user list (or directory) class.  
         [0114]     The service user class indicates users of the service (that is, service users). The personal identification class indicates a personal identification of the service user. The authenticated user list class indicates a list of authenticated service users. The right of use class indicates a right of use (corresponding to a session) of a certain service. The usable user list class indicates a list of users capable of using various kinds of services.  
         [0115]      FIG. 13  is a diagram showing a functional structure of the server platform  100 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the shared function providing part  20  includes an authentication and right of use managing part  111 . The authentication and right of use managing part  111  includes a service user class, a personal identification class, an authenticated user list (or directory) class, a right of use class, and usable user list (or directory) class. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the functions related to the management of the authentication and the right of use (session) may be shared and included in the shared function providing part  20 , within the server platform  100 .  
         [0116]     Next, a description will be given of another concept of the functions related to the shared processes via the network, by referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 .  
         [0117]      FIG. 14  is a sequence diagram showing a document referring operation. The client who requests the document referring sends a document search start request to the server (sequence SQ 30 ), similarly to the sequence SQ 12  shown in  FIG. 10 . When the document search start request is received from the client, the server creates search parameters based on the information included in the document search start request (sequence SQ 31 ). Then, the server supplies the created search parameters to the storage SF  44  and makes a request for a search process (sequence SQ 32 ).  
         [0118]     The storage SF  44  makes a search based on the supplied search parameters, and notifies a search result to the server (sequence SQ 33 ). The server notifies the search result received from the storage SF  44  to the client (sequence SQ 34 ).  
         [0119]     When the search result is received from the server, the client sends a document acquisition request for a specified document, for example, to the server (sequence SQ 35 ). The sever supplies the document acquisition request for the specified document, for example, to the storage SF  44  (sequence SQ 36 ).  
         [0120]      FIG. 15  is a sequence diagram showing a user information referring operation. The user who requests the user information referring sends a user information search start request to the server (sequence SQ 40 ). When the user information search start request is received from the client, the server creates search parameters based on the information included in the user information search start request (sequence SQ 41 ). Then, the server supplies the created search parameters to the user control service  1228  and makes a request for a user information search process (sequence SQ 42 ).  
         [0121]     The user control service  1228  makes a search based on the supplied search parameters, and notifies a search result to the server (sequence SQ 43 ). The server notifies the search result received from the user control service  1228  to the client (sequence SQ 44 ). When the search result is received from the server, the client sends an acquisition request for specified user information, for example, to the server (sequence SQ 45 ). The sever supplies the acquisition request for the specified user information, for example, to the user control service  1228  (sequence SQ 46 ).  
         [0122]     As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the portions surrounded by dotted lines that carry out processes related to the referring of information (or data) can be shared. A relationship of classes related to the referring of information, that is implemented in the shared function providing part  20  of the server platform  100 , is shown in  FIG. 16 .  
         [0123]      FIG. 16  is a class diagram showing the relationship of the classes related to the referring of information.  FIG. 16  shows a model that refers to the search result as it is. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the shared function providing part  20  includes a catalog class, a referring data class, a data storage class, and a right of use class.  
         [0124]     The catalog class indicates a sheet or paper on which the search result of the information within the equipment is to be written. The referring data class indicates the target data that are to be referred to and are written in the catalog. The data storage class indicates a location where the data are stored within the equipment. The right of use class indicates the right of use (corresponding to the session) of a certain service, as described above.  
         [0125]      FIG. 17  is a class diagram showing a relationship of the classes related to the referring of information.  FIG. 17  shows a model that selects the data to be referred to from the search result. As shown in  FIG. 17 , the shared function providing part  20  includes an information referring request class, a referring data class, a data storage class, and a right of use class.  
         [0126]     The information referring request class indicates a request (or request form) for the information referring within the equipment. The referring data class indicates the target data that are to be referred to and are written in the catalog, as described above. The data storage class indicates a location where the data are stored within the equipment, as described above. The right of use class indicates the right of use (corresponding to the session) of a certain service, as described above. In the following description, it is assumed for the sake of convenience that the classes shown in  FIG. 16  are implemented in the shared function providing part  20 .  
         [0127]      FIG. 18  is a diagram showing a functional structure of the server platform  100 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , the shared function providing part  20  includes an authentication and right of use managing part  111  and a referring part  112 . The authentication and right of use managing part  111  includes a right of use class. The referring part  112  includes a catalog class, a referring data class and a data storage class. As shown in  FIG. 18 , the functions related to the referring of the data (or information) within the equipment may be shared and included in the shared function providing part  20 , within the server platform  100 .  
         [0128]     Next, a description will be given of another concept of the functions related to the shared processes via the network, by referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 .  
         [0129]      FIG. 19  is a sequence diagram showing a setting of document information. The client who requests modifying of the document information sends a document information modifying request to the server (sequence SQ 50 ). When the document information modifying request is received from the client, the server creates modifying parameters based on information included in the document information modifying request (sequence SQ 51 ). Then, the server supplies the created modifying parameters to the storage SF  44  and requests a modifying process (sequence SQ 52 ).  
         [0130]      FIG. 20  is a sequence diagram showing a setting of user information. The client who requests modifying of the-user information sends a user information modifying request to the server (sequence SQ 60 ). When the user information modifying request is received from the client, the server creates modifying parameters based on information included in the user information modifying request (sequence SQ 61 ). Then, the server supplies the created modifying parameters to the user control service  1228  and requests a modifying process (sequence SQ 62 ).  
         [0131]     As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the portions surrounded by dotted lines that carry out processes related to the setting of information (or data) can be shared. A relationship of classes related to the setting of information, that is implemented in the shared function providing part  20  of the server platform  100 , is shown in  FIG. 21 .  
         [0132]      FIG. 21  is a class diagram showing the relationship of the classes related to the setting of information. As shown in  FIG. 21 , the shared function providing part  20  includes an information setting request class, a registering data class, an information setting service class, and a right of use class.  
         [0133]     The information setting request class indicates a request (or request form) for setting the information within the equipment. The registering data class indicates the data to be registered within the equipment when setting the information. The information setting service class indicates a service that sets the information within the equipment. The right of use class indicates the right of use (corresponding to the session) of a certain service, as described above.  
         [0134]     Next, a description will be given of state transitions of an information setting request object of the information setting request class, by referring to  FIG. 22 .  FIG. 22  is a state transition diagram of the information setting request.  
         [0135]     As shown in  FIG. 22 , the information setting request object assumes a requesting state when an information setting request event is generated from the client. The information setting request object makes a transition from the requesting state to a request failed state and assumes an end state, if an non-acceptable notification is received from the SF. In addition, the information setting request object makes a transition from the requesting state to a requested state and assumes the end state, if an accept complete notification is received from the SF.  
         [0136]      FIG. 23  is a diagram showing a functional structure of the server platform  100 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , the shared function providing part  20  includes an authentication and right of use managing part  111  and a setting part  113 . The authentication and right of use managing part  111  includes a right of use class. The setting part  113  includes an information setting request class, a registering data class, and an information setting service class. As shown in  FIG. 23 , the functions related to the setting of the data (or information) within the equipment may be shared and included in the shared function providing part  20 , within the server platform  100 .  
         [0137]     Next, a description will be given of another concept of the functions related to the shared processes via the network, by referring to  FIGS. 24 and 25 .  
         [0138]      FIG. 24  is a sequence diagram showing a print operation. Similarly to the sequence SQ 3  shown in  FIG. 9 , the client who requests the start of the printing sends a print start request to the server (sequence SQ 70 ). When the print start request is received from the client, the server creates print parameters based on information included in the print start request (sequence SQ 71 ). Then, the server supplies the created parameters to the print SF  41  and requests a print process (sequence SQ 72 ). The print SF  41  carries out the print process based on the supplied print parameters, and notifies a print result to the server (sequence SQ 73 ).  
         [0139]      FIG. 25  is a sequence diagram showing a scanner operation. The client who requests the start of the scanning sends a scan start request to the server (sequence SQ 80 ). When the scan start request is received from the client, the server creates scan parameters based on information included in the scan start request (sequence SQ 81 ). Then, the server supplies the created scan parameters to the scan SF  43  and requests a scan process (sequence SQ 82 ). The scan SF  43  carries out the scan process based on the supplied scan parameters, and notifies a scan result to the server (sequence SQ 83 ).  
         [0140]     As shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the portions surrounded by dotted lines that carry out processes related to the print and scanner operations can be shared. A relationship of classes related to the print and scanner operations, that is implemented in the shared function providing part  20  of the server platform  100 , is shown in  FIG. 26 .  
         [0141]      FIG. 26  is a class diagram showing a relationship of classes related to the print and scanner operations. As shown in  FIG. 26 , the shared function providing part  20  includes a job operation request class, an operation target class, a job operation executing service class, and a right of use class.  
         [0142]     The job operation request class indicates a request (or request form) for a job operation. It is assumed that a job requires time until it is completed, and that a job complete notification is separately notified from the SF layer. The operation target class indicates a target job operation. The job operation executing service class indicates a service for executing a job operation within the equipment. The right of use class indicates the right of use (corresponding to the session) of a certain service, as described above.  
         [0143]     Next, a description will be given of state transitions of a job operation request object of the job operation request class, by referring to  FIG. 27 .  FIG. 27  is a state transition diagram of the job operation request.  
         [0144]     As shown in  FIG. 27 , the job operation request object assumes a requesting state when a job operation request event is generated from the client. The job operation request object makes a transition from the requesting state to a request failed state and assumes an end state, if an non-acceptable notification is received from the SF. In addition, the job operation request object makes a transition from the requesting state to a request executing state, if an accept complete notification is received from the SF. If an execution failed notification event is generated from the SF, the job operation request object makes a transition from the request executing state to an execution failed state and assumes an end state. Further, the job operation request object makes a transition from the request executing state to a request executed state and assumes the end state, if an execution complete notification event is generated from the SF.  
         [0145]      FIG. 28  is a diagram showing a functional structure of the server platform  100 . As shown in  FIG. 28 , the shared function providing part  20  includes an authentication and right of use managing part  111  and a job operation part  114 . The authentication and right of use managing part  111  includes a right of use class. The job operation part  114  includes a job operation request class, an operation target class, and a job operation executing service class. As shown in  FIG. 28 , the functions related to the operations with respect to the job may be shared and included in the shared function providing part  20 , within the server platform  100 .  
         [0146]      FIG. 29  is a diagram showing an entire functional structure of the server platform  100 . As shown in  FIG. 29 , the shared function providing part  20  includes an authentication and right of use managing part  111 , a referring part  112 , a setting part  113  and a job operation part  114 . The authentication and right of use managing part  111  includes a service user class, a personal identification class, an authenticated user list class, a right of use class, and a usable user list class. The referring part  112  includes a target class, a referring data class, and a data storage class. The setting part  113  includes an information setting request class, a registering data class, and an information setting service class. The job operation part  114  includes a job operation request class, an operation target class, and a job operation executing service class.  
         [0147]     As shown in  FIG. 29 , the functions related to the processes via the network may be shared and included in the shared function providing part  20 , within the server platform  100 . By sharing the functions related to the processes via the network, it is possible to reduce the number of design steps and to reduce the code size of each application. Furthermore, if an evaluation is made with respect to the shared function providing part  20 , the services having the same specifications and the same quality may be used in each application, thereby making it possible to secure a desired quality of the services.  
         [0148]      FIG. 30  is a diagram showing a link (or association) of the SF and the server platform  100 . As shown in  FIG. 30 , the shared function providing part  20  of the server platform  100  includes a job operation part  114 . The job operation part  114  includes a job operation request class, an operation target class, and a job operation executing service class.  
         [0149]     A print service class that is implemented in a print SF I/F  31  of a middlewear interface part  30  inherits the job operation executing service class. In addition, a print document class that is implemented in the print SF I/F  31  of the middlewear interface part  30  inherits the operation target class. For example, when an operation executing method of the job operation executing service class is called, a print executing method of the print service class is called, and the print SF  41  is executed.  
         [0150]      FIG. 31  is a diagram showing a link (or association) of the SF and the server platform  100 . As shown in  FIG. 31 , the shared function providing part  20  of the server platform  100  includes a referring part  112 . The referring part  112  includes a catalog class, a referring data class, and a data storage class.  
         [0151]     A document storage service class that is implemented in a storage SF I/F  34  of a middlewear interface part  30  inherits the data storage class. A stored document class that is implemented in the storage SF I/F  34  of the middlewear interface part  30  inherits the referring data class. For example, when a method of the data storage class is called, a method of the document storage service class is called, and the storage SF  34  is executed.  
         [0152]      FIG. 32  is a diagram for explaining differences in interfaces of the SF layer and the service layer. As shown in  FIG. 32 , a GetFileList method, an OpenFile method, a GetFileInfo method and a CloseFile method are implemented in the service layer, in correspondence with a searchDocument method of the SF layer.  
         [0153]     An OpenFile method, a WriteFile method and a CloseFile method are implemented in the service layer, in correspondence with a changeDocument method of the SF layer.  
         [0154]     A CheckScanParam method, a StartScan method, an EndScan method and a CreateFile method are implemented in the service layer, in correspondence with a scanDocument method of the SF layer.  
         [0155]     A CreatePrintData method, a StartPrint method and a DeletePrintData method are implemented in the service layer, in correspondence with a printDocument method of the SF layer.  
         [0156]     An OpenFile method, a GetFileInfo method, a CloseFile method, a CheckPrintParam method, a StartPrint method and an EndPrint method are implemented in the service layer, in correspondence with a printStoredDocument method of the SF layer.  
         [0157]     The processing unit of the methods of the SF layer is “Document”, and the processing unit and the representation format are selected by the user. On the other hand, the processing unit of the methods of the service layer is “File”, and the processing unit and the representation format are selected by the machine.  
         [0158]     Next, a description will be given of an entire relationship of the classes that are implemented in the shared function providing part  20  of the server platform  100 , by referring to  FIG. 33 .  FIG. 33  is a class diagram showing the entire relationship of the classes.  FIG. 33  shows the classes for a document operation which is used as one example of the job operation.  
         [0159]     As shown in  FIG. 33 , a service user class includes a personal identification and an identification examining state as attribute values, and includes an identification method, a right of use acquisition method and a right of use returning method as methods. An authenticated user class includes a number of registered users as the attribute value, and includes an identity inquiring method as the method. A personal identification class includes a user name and a password as the attribute values.  
         [0160]     A right of use class includes a usable function, a valid term (or expiry date) and an issued state as the attribute values, and includes an acquisition method, a return method, a valid term extension method, a right of use examining method, a service executing request method, a document operation request method, a document operation result notification method, an information setting request method, a catalog creating request method and a data referring request method as the methods.  
         [0161]     A usable user list class includes a number of registered users as the attribute value, and includes an authority examining method as the method. A catalog class includes a search condition and a search state as the attribute values, and includes a catalog creating method, a writing method and a data referring method as the methods.  
         [0162]     A referring data class includes a data type, a data content and a data referring state as the attribute values, and includes a referring method as the method. A data storage class includes a storage data type as the attribute value, and includes a writing start method and a detailed information acquisition method as the methods.  
         [0163]     An information setting request class includes a setting information type, a request result and a setting request state as the attribute values, and includes an information setting request method as the method. A registering data class includes a data type and a data content as the attribute values. An information setting service class includes an information setting item as the attribute value, and includes an information setting method as the method.  
         [0164]     A job operation request class includes an operation type, an operation parameter, an operation result and an operation request state as the attribute values, and includes an operation executing request method and an operation complete notification method as the methods.  
         [0165]     A document class includes an identifier and a storage location as the attribute values. A document operation executing service class includes a responsible operation as the attribute value, and includes an operation start method and an operation complete method as the methods. A service storage class includes a number of services as the attribute value, and includes a service list acquisition method, a responsible service determination method and a service detailed information acquisition method as the methods.  
         [0166]     In  FIG. 29 , the shared function providing part  20  is formed by the authentication and right of use managing part  111 , the referring part  112 , the setting part  113  and the job operation part  114 . However, the shared function providing part  20  may be formed by a single part as shown in  FIG. 34 .  FIG. 34  is a class diagram showing the shared function providing part  20  that is formed by a single part.  
         [0167]     As shown in  FIG. 34 , the shared function providing part  20  includes a service user class, a personal identification class, an authenticated user list class, a right of use class, a usable user list class, a request class and a service class.  
         [0168]     The service user class indicates users of the service (that is, service users). The personal identification class indicates the personal identification of the service user. The authenticated user list class indicates a list of authenticated service users. The right of use class indicates a right of use (corresponding to a session) of a certain service. The usable user list class indicates a list of users capable of using-various kinds of services. The request class indicates a request (or request form) of a process. The service class indicates a service that is usable by the service user.  
         [0169]     Next, a description will be given of the concept of the functions related to the shared processes via the network.  FIG. 35  is a flow chart for explaining request and response operations. Generally, the client who requests a process advances to a step Si shown in  FIG. 35 , and sends a process request to the server that is connected to the client via the network. The server that receives the process request from the client advances to a step S 2 , and creates a request (or request form) having attribute values shown in  FIG. 40  which will be described later, for example. In addition, the server advances to a step S 3  and checks the right of use.  
         [0170]     If the check of the right of use in the step S 3  is OK, the server advances to a step S 4  and makes a process request in correspondence with the received process request. The server then advances to a step S 5 , and discards the request (or request form) created in the step S 2 . The server then advances to a step S 6 , and sends a result response to the client.  
         [0171]     On the other hand, if the check of the right of use in the step S 3  is no good (NG), the server advances to a step S 7 , and discards the request (or request form) that is created in the step S 2 . The server then advances to a step S 8 , and sends a result response to the client.  FIG. 36  is a collaboration diagram for a case where the check of the right of use in the step S 3  is OK.  
         [0172]      FIG. 37  is a flow chart for explaining a job operation. Generally, the client who requests a process advances to a step S 11  shown in  FIG. 37 , and sends a process request to the server that is connected to the client via the network. The server that receives the process request from the client advances to a step S 12 , and creates a request (or request form). In addition, the server advances to a step S 13  and checks the right of use.  
         [0173]     If the check of the right of use in the step S 13  is OK, the server advances to a step S 14  and makes a process request in correspondence with the received process request. The server then advances to a step S 15 , and judges whether or not a job operation is requested. If other than the job operation is requested (NO in step S 15 ), the server advances to a step S 16  and discards the request (or request form) created in the step S 12 . The server then advances to a step S 17 , and sends a result response to the client.  
         [0174]     On the other hand, if the check of the right of use in the step S 13  is no good (NG), the server advances to a step S 18 , and discards the request (or request form) that is created in the step S 12 . The server then advances to a step S 19 , and sends a result response to the client.  
         [0175]     On the other hand, if the job operation is requested (YES in step S 15 ), the server advances to a step S 20 , and sends a result response to the client. The server repeats a process of a step S 21  until a process end notification is received. The step S 21  judges whether or not the process end notification is received. When the process end notification is received (YES in step S 21 ), the server advances to a step S 22 , and discards the request (or request form) that is created in the step S 12 .  FIG. 38  is a collaboration diagram for a case where the job operation is requested.  
         [0176]      FIG. 39  is a diagram showing an entire functional structure of the server platform  100 . As shown in  FIG. 39 , the shared function providing part  20  may be formed by a single part.  FIG. 40  is a class diagram showing an entire relationship of the classes that are implemented in the shared function providing part  20  of the server platform  100  shown in  FIG. 39 .  
         [0177]     Next, a description will be given of a case where the framework shown in  FIG. 4  having the server platform  100  shown in  FIG. 29  is applied to other than the printer and the composite apparatus  1200 , by referring to  FIGS. 41 through 44 . Various Daemons shown in  FIGS. 41 through 44  are examples, and it is of course possible to employ structures in which some of the shown Daemons are not included and/or some other Daemons are additionally included.  
         [0178]     First, a description will be given of a functional structure of an audio visual (AV) equipment for a case where the framework is applied to the AV equipment, by referring to  FIG. 41 .  FIG. 41  is a diagram showing a functional structure of the AV equipment for the case where the framework is applied to the AV equipment. As shown in  FIG. 41 , the AV equipment includes an httpd  200 , an ftpd  210  and an smtpd  220  as the network services.  
         [0179]     The server platform  100  includes a protocol interface part  10 , a shared function providing part  20  and a middlewear interface part  30 . As shown in  FIG. 41 , the protocol interface part  10  includes an HTML analyzing part  11 , an UPnP analyzing part  12 , a WS analyzing part  13  and a custom I/F analyzing part  14 . In addition, the middlewear interface part  30  includes an image SF I/F  51 , an audio SF I/F  52 , a television (TV) SF I/F  53 , a storage SF I/F  54 , a telephone SF I/F  55  and a system I/F  56 , as shown in  FIG. 41 .  
         [0180]     In addition, the AV equipment includes as the SF layer or the service layer, an image SF  61  that provides image functions, an audio SF  62  that provides audio functions, a TV SF  63  that provides TV functions, a storage SF  64  that provides storage functions, a telephone SF  65  that provides telephone functions, and a system control service (SCS)  66  that provides functions related to system control of the AV equipment.  
         [0181]     As shown in  FIG. 41 , the framework shown in  FIG. 4  having the server platform  100  shown in  FIG. 29  may be applied to the AV equipment. The programs of the AV equipment may be preinstalled in the AV equipment or, may be provided to the AV equipment by way of a recording medium  1  or downloaded to the AV equipment via the network. A CPU of the AV equipment executes processes according to the programs.  
         [0182]     Next, a description will be given of a functional structure of a cooking appliance for a case where the framework is applied to the cooking appliance, by referring to  FIG. 42 .  FIG. 42  is a diagram showing a functional structure of the cooking appliance for the case where the framework is applied to the cooking appliance.  
         [0183]     As shown in  FIG. 42 , the cooking appliance includes an httpd  200 , an ftpd  210  and an smtpd  220  as the network services.  
         [0184]     The server platform  100  includes a protocol interface part  10 , a shared function providing part  20  and a middlewear interface part  30 . As shown in  FIG. 42 , the protocol interface part  10  includes an HTML analyzing part  11 , an UPnP analyzing part  12 , a WS analyzing part  13  and a custom I/F analyzing part  14 . In addition, the middlewear interface part  30  includes a heating SF I/F  71 , a cooling SF I/F  72 , a cooking SF I/F  73 , a thawing SF I/F  74 , and a system I/F  75 , as shown in  FIG. 42 .  
         [0185]     In addition, the cooking appliance includes as the SF layer or the service layer, a heating SF  81  that provides heating functions, a cooling SF  82  that provides cooling functions, a cooking SF  83  that provides cooking functions, a thawing SF  84  that provides thawing functions, and a system control service (SCS)  85  that provides functions related to system control of the cooking appliance.  
         [0186]     As shown in  FIG. 42 , the framework shown in  FIG. 4  having the server platform  100  shown in  FIG. 29  may be applied to the cooking appliance. The programs of the cooking appliance may be preinstalled in the cooking appliance or, may be provided to the cooking appliance by way of a recording medium  1  or downloaded to the cooking appliance via the network. A CPU of the cooking appliance executes processes according to the programs.  
         [0187]     Next, a description will be given of a functional structure of an air conditioner for a case where the framework is applied to the air conditioner, by referring to  FIG. 43 .  FIG. 43  is a diagram showing a functional structure of the air conditioner for the case where the framework is applied to the air conditioner.  
         [0188]     As shown in  FIG. 43 , the air conditioner includes an httpd  200 , an ftpd  210  and an smtpd  220  as the network services.  
         [0189]     The server platform  100  includes a protocol interface part  10 , a shared function providing part  20  and a middlewear interface part  30 . As shown in  FIG. 43 , the protocol interface part  10  includes an HTML analyzing part  11 , an UPnP analyzing part  12 , a WS analyzing part  13  and a custom I/F analyzing part  14 . In addition, the middlewear interface part  30  includes a heater SF I/F  91 , a cooler SF I/F  92 , a dehumidifier SF I/F  93 , a humidity controller SF I/F  94 , a germ eliminator SF I/F  95  and a system I/F  96 , as shown in  FIG. 43 .  
         [0190]     In addition, the air conditioner includes as the SF layer or the service layer, a heater SF  141  that provides heater functions, a cooler SF  142  that provides cooler functions, a dehumidifier SF  143  that provides dehumidifier functions, a humidity controller SF  144  that provides humidity controller functions, a germ eliminator SF I/F  145  that provides germ eliminator functions, and a system control service (SCS)  146  that provides functions related to system control of the air conditioner.  
         [0191]     As shown in  FIG. 43 , the framework shown in  FIG. 4  having the server platform  100  shown in  FIG. 29  may be applied to the air conditioner. The programs of the air conditioner may be preinstalled in the air conditioner or, may be provided to the air conditioner by way of a recording medium  1  or downloaded to the air conditioner via the network. A CPU of the air conditioner executes processes according to the programs.  
         [0192]     Next, a description will be given of a functional structure of a washing machine for a case where the framework is applied to the air conditioner, by referring to  FIG. 44 .  FIG. 44  is a diagram showing a functional structure of the washing machine for the case where the framework is applied to the washing machine.  
         [0193]     As shown in  FIG. 44 , the washing machine includes an httpd  200 , an ftpd  210  and an smtpd  220  as the network services.  
         [0194]     The server platform  100  includes a protocol interface part  10 , a shared function providing part  20  and a middlewear interface part  30 . As shown in  FIG. 44 , the protocol interface part  10  includes an HTML analyzing part  11 , an UPnP analyzing part  12 , a WS analyzing part  13  and a custom I/F analyzing part  14 . In addition, the middlewear interface part  30  includes a water supplying SF I/F  121 , a washing SF I/F  122 , a spin-drying SF I/F  123 , a heat-drying SF I/F  124 , a germ eliminator SF I/F  125  and a system I/F  126 , as shown in  FIG. 44 .  
         [0195]     In addition, the washing machine includes as the SF layer or the service layer, a water supplying SF  131  that provides water supplying functions, a washing SF  132  that provides washing functions, a spin-drying SF  133  that provides spin-drying functions, a heat-drying SF  134  that provides heat-drying functions, a germ eliminator SF I/F  135  that provides germ eliminator functions, and a system control service (SCS)  136  that provides functions related to system control of the washing machine.  
         [0196]     As shown in  FIG. 44 , the framework shown in  FIG. 4  having the server platform  100  shown in  FIG. 29  may be applied to the washing machine. The programs of the washing machine may be preinstalled in the washing machine or, may be provided to the washing machine by way of a recording medium  1  or downloaded to the washing machine via the network. A CPU of the washing machine executes processes according to the programs.  
         [0197]     Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize service providing methods, service providing apparatuses, computer-readable storage media and computer program products that are easy to develop and can provide services having a desired quality.  
         [0198]     This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Applications No.2004-130211 filed Apr. 26, 2004 and No.2005-117648 filed Apr. 15, 2005, in the Japanese Patent Office, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0199]     Further, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but various variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.