Abstract:
An information processing method which is capable of easily and reliably giving a user information on whether or not the user&#39;s information processing apparatus satisfies the requirements for receiving services provided by a service provider. It is determined whether or not a predetermined function and a program for enabling the function are installed in a multi-function printer, as a requirement for receiving a service provided by an application service provider. The result of the determination is displayed on a display of an operating section of the multi-function printer.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an information processing method of processing information, such as character information and image information, by an information processing system comprised of information processing apparatuses, such as multi-function printers (MFPs) having a plurality of functions including a printing function, a copying function, a facsimile function, and a scanning (information reading) function, and an application service provider (ASP) as a service provider, connected to the information processing apparatuses via the Internet as a communication network, the information processing system for implementing the method, a program for implementing the method, and a storage medium storing the program. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A multi-function printer having a plurality of functions including a printing function, a copying function, a facsimile function, and a scanning function is capable of receiving various services from an application service provider providing via the Internet the services on the Internet. 
     Application service providers provide various services in all fields. The services provided by application service providers vary with the purposes and uses and target users, and some services necessitate corresponding functions at receiving ends of the services. 
     A first example of such services is a public print service which uploads document data in advance to a server on the Internet via the Internet, and enables any user to print out the uploaded document data by a multi-function printer via the Internet, anytime. To receive the public print service, the multi-function printer needs to have the function of uploading document data to the server via the Internet and the function of printing out document data by the multi-function printer (hereinafter referred to as “the PDL function”) . Further, it can be envisaged that the multi-function printer will upload to the server not only data generated by application software, but also scanned image data generated by reading an image through a scanner provided in the multi-function printer, and therefore the multi-function printer also needs to have the function of generating scanned image data and transmitting the same (hereinafter referred to as “the SEND function”). 
     Further, a second example of the services is a document storing service which transfers scanned image data from a multi-function printer to a server on the Internet and thereby allows various data to be stored on the server. To receive the document storing service, the multi-function printer needs to have the above-mentioned SEND function. 
     Furthermore, a second example of the services is a FAX transfer service which temporarily receives facsimile data from a multi-function printer to which the facsimile data was transmitted, and transfers the facsimile data to a server on the Internet to thereby allow a plurality of users connected to the Internet to view the facsimile data on the Internet. To receive the FAX transfer service, the multi-function printer needs to have the SEND function as well as the facsimile function for receiving facsimile data. 
     Conventionally, there has been proposed a technique that causes an image forming apparatus not equipped with some optional functions (such as a finisher function and a facsimile function) to introduce software for adding any of the optional functions that is desired to be used, and download a program for realizing the desired function using the introduced software, to thereby enable the apparatus to use the function (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2002-202876). 
     In the above-described prior art, however, before actually using a service provided by an application service provider operating on the Internet, or before signing up for a new service of this type, a user cannot know whether or not a multi-function printer used by the user on a daily basis is sufficiently equipped with necessary functions for receiving the various services, or whether or not the multi-function printer is capable of fully receiving the contents of a desired service. Further, the user cannot get detailed information on what function the multi-function printer is lacking in receiving a desired service. 
     Furthermore, in another use environment, when a user, who has signed up as a subscriber for receiving services provided by an application service provider, is out e.g. on a business trip, and wants to receive the services already subscribed and received on a daily basis, using a multi-function printer installed in a branch office or the like, the user cannot know whether or not the multi-function printer is capable of receiving the subscribed services, until the user actually uses the multi-function printer. 
     Moreover, in still another use environment, when a user, who is not a subscriber to services provided by an application service provider, wants to log in as a guest to experience a part of a service provided by the application service provider while limiting the function for the service or wants to temporarily experience the service during a limited trial time period, the user cannot know whether or not the desired service can be received by using a multi-function printer at hand. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing method and an information processing system for implementing the method, which are capable of easily and reliably giving a user information on whether or not the user&#39;s information processing apparatus satisfies the requirements for receiving services provided by a service provider, and a program for implementing the method and a storage medium storing the program. 
     To attain the above object, in a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of processing information by an information processing system including a service provider, and at least one information processing apparatus connected to the service provider via a communication network, comprising a determination step of determining whether or not a predetermined function and a program for enabling the function are installed in the information processing apparatus, as a requirement for receiving a service provided by the service provider, and a display step of displaying a result of the determination made in the determination step. 
     With the arrangement of the information processing method according to the first aspect of the present invention, when a user subscribes to services on the Internet from an information processing apparatus, it is possible to easily and reliably give the user information on whether or not the information processing apparatus is equipped with functions demanded on a service-by-service basis, or information on functions which are not equipped. 
     To attain the above object, in a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of processing information by an information processing system including a service provider, and at least one information processing apparatus connected to the service provider via a communication network, comprising a service subscription step of subscribing to services provided by the service provider, a selection step of selecting a service for subscription in the service subscription step, a determination step of determining whether or not the information processing apparatus satisfies a requirement for receiving the service selected in the selection step, and a display step of displaying details of the requirement if it is determined in the determination step that the requirement is not satisfied. 
     Preferably, in the first and second aspects of the present invention, the requirement is that the information processing apparatus has a function capable of receiving the service. 
     Preferably, in the first and second aspects of the present invention, the requirement is that the information processing apparatus has a program for enabling a function capable of receiving the service. 
     Preferably, in the first and second aspects of the present invention, when the information processing apparatus has a function capable of receiving the service, but not a program for enabling the function, a display screen prompting acquisition of the program is displayed in the display step. 
     Preferably, in the first and second aspects of the present invention, information indicating that the information processing apparatus has a function capable of receiving the service but not a program for enabling the function, or information indicating that the information processing apparatus has the function capable of receiving the service is selectively displayed in the display step. 
     Preferably, in the first and second aspects of the present invention, the information is at least one of character information and image information. 
     To attain the above object, in a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing system comprising a communication network, a service provider, and at least one information processing apparatus connected to the service provider via the communication network, the information processing apparatus comprises a determination device that determines whether or not a predetermined function and a program for enabling the function are installed in the information processing apparatus, as a requirement for receiving a service provided by the service provider, and a display device that displays a result of the determination made by the determination device. 
     To attain the above object, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided An information processing system comprising a communication network, a service provider, and at least one information processing apparatus connected to the service provider via the communication network, the information processing apparatus comprises a service subscription device that subscribes to services provided by the service provider, a selection device that selects a service for subscription by the service subscription device, a determination device that determines whether or not the information processing apparatus satisfies a requirement for receiving the service selected by the selection device, and a display device that displays details of the requirement if the determination device determines that the requirement is not satisfied. 
     Preferably, in the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, the requirement is that the information processing apparatus has a function capable of receiving the service. 
     Preferably, in the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, the requirement is that the information processing apparatus has a program for enabling a function capable of receiving the service. 
     To attain the above object, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable program for implementing a method of processing information by an information processing system including a service provider and at least one information processing apparatus connected to the service provider via a communication network, comprising a determination module for determining whether or not a predetermined function and a program for enabling the function are installed in the information processing apparatus, as a requirement for receiving a service provided by the service provider; and a display module for displaying a result of the determination made by the determination module. 
     To attain the above object, in a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable program for implementing a method of processing information by an information processing system including a service provider and at least one information processing apparatus connected to the service provider via a communication network, comprising a service subscription module for subscribing to services provided by the service provider, a selection module for selecting a service for subscription by the service subscription module, a determination module for determining whether or not the information processing apparatus satisfies a requirement for receiving the service selected by the selection module, and a display module for displaying details of the requirement if it is determined by the determination module that the requirement is not satisfied. 
     The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram showing the whole arrangement of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a multi-function printer (MFP) in the information processing system in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the multi-function printer (MFP) in the multi-function printer (MFP) in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram showing an example of a table summarizing the relationship between functions necessary for receiving various services provided by the information processing system and functions actually installed in multi-function printers; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram showing details displayed on an LCD of an operating section of the multi-function printer appearing in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing a flow of the operation of the information processing system; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing a continued part of the flow of the operation of the information processing system; and 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing a continued part of the flow of the operation of the information processing system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing a preferred embodiment thereof. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram showing the whole arrangement of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 1 , reference numerals  101  and  102  designate multi-function printers (MFPs) as information processing apparatuses. The MFPs  101  and  102  are equipped with a plurality of functions, such as a printing function, a copying function, a facsimile function, and a scanning function, and processes information including character information and image information. 
     It should be noted that these information processing apparatuses are not limited to MFPs, but may be implemented by printers, copying machines, facsimiles, or scanners (information reading apparatuses). 
     Reference numeral  103  designates the Internet via which application service providers (ASPs) provide various services. The MFP  101  and the MFP  102  are connected to the Internet  103 . Reference numeral  104  designates a public print service, as one of services provided by the ASPs on the Internet  103 . The public print service enables any user to download document data uploaded in advance to a server, not shown, on the Internet  103  via the Internet  103  to a designated MFP or printer, anytime, and print out the downloaded document data by the MFP or printer. To receive the public print service  104 , the MFPs  101  and  102  need to have the function of uploading document data to the server via the Internet  103  and the function of printing out document data by the MFPs  101  and  102  (hereinafter referred to as the PDL function). 
     Reference numeral  105  designates a document storing service, as one of the services provided by the ASPs on the internet  103 . The document storing service transfers scanned image data from the MFPs  101  and  102  to a server, not shown, on the Internet  103  and stores various data on the server. To receive the document storing service  105 , the MFPs  101  and  102  need to have the aforementioned SEND (scanned data transfer) function. 
     Reference numeral  106  designates a FAX transfer service, as one of the services provided by the ASP on the internet  103 . The FAX transfer service temporarily receives facsimile data sent to the MFPs  101  and  102  and transferred to a server, not shown, on the Internet  103  to thereby allow a plurality of users connected to the Internet to view the facsimile data on the Internet  103 . To receive the FAX transfer service  106 , the MFPs  101  and  102  need to have the SEND function as well as the facsimile function for receiving facsimile data. 
     Although the MFP  101  and the MFP  102  need to be equipped with the above-mentioned functions necessary for receiving the above-mentioned services on the Internet  103 , in the present embodiment, it is assumed here that the MFP  101  is equipped with the SEND and facsimile functions, but not with the PDL function, whereas the MFP  102  is equipped with the PDL and SEND functions, but not with the facsimile function. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the multi-function printers (MFPS) in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 2 , reference numeral  200  designates a multi-function printer (MFP) corresponding to the MFP  101  or  102  in  FIG. 1 . 
     The MFP  200  is comprised of a CPU (Central Processing Unit)  201 , a hard disk drive (HDD)  202 , a memory  203 , a bus bridge  204 , a SEND function unit  205 , a PDL function unit  206 , an image processing section  207 , a compression/expansion section  208 , a panel interface (panel I/F)  209 , a modem  210 , a network interface (network I/F)  211 , a management unit interface (management unit I/F)  212 , a scanner interface (scanner I/F)  213 , a scanner unit  214 , a printer interface (printer I/F)  215 , a printer unit  216 , a facsimile interface (FAX I/F)  217 , a FAX function unit  208 , an operating section  219 , a high-speed CPU bus  220 , a low-speed CPU bus  221 , and a high-speed image bus  222 . 
     The CPU  201  that controls the overall operation of the MFP  200  is implemented by a microprocessor and operates on a real-time OS (Operating System). The HDD  202  is a large-capacity storage device for storing a plurality of applications available for the operation of the CPU  201 . The HDD  202  is controlled by the CPU  201 . 
     The memory  203  is a work memory used for the operation of the CPU  201 , and can be accessed at a high speed by the CPU  201 . The MFP  200  may include a nonvolatile memory as the memory  203 . 
     The bus bridge  204  connects between the high-speed CPU bus  220  and the low-speed CPU bus  221  to accommodate a difference in processing speed between the two buses. By way of the bus bridge  204 , the CPU  201  operating at a high speed can access the SEND function unit  205  connected to the low-speed CPU bus  221  and operating at a low speed. 
     The SEND function unit  205  is implemented by hardware having the function of sending scanned image data generated from images read from the scanner unit  214  to a designated address on the Internet  103 . 
     The PDL function unit  206  is implemented by hardware having the function of receiving PDL (Page Description Language) data, such as PostScript data and PCL (Printer Command Language) data, from the server and translating the same to generate a print image. Further, as described hereinafter, the PDL function unit  206  receives an image forming command described in a page description language (PDL) via an external interface or a LAN directly connectable to a computer, and converts the image forming command into a bitmap image according to the details of the command. The image forming command is input to the PDL function unit  206  from the high-speed CPU bus  220  to output an image to the high-speed image bus  222 . The PDL function unit  206  can process PDLs including PostScript (registered trademark), PCL, LIPS (registered trademark) and CaPSL. 
     The image processing section  207  performs filtering processing, such as smoothing processing and edge processing, on the image data input via the high-speed image bus  222 , according to a processing command issued by the CPU  201 . Further, the image processing section  207  has an optical character recognition (OCR) function for recognizing characters in the image data input via the high-speed image bus  222 , and an image separating function for separating the image data into a character part and an image part. 
     The compression/expansion section  208  compresses the image data input via the high-speed image bus  222 , using encoding methods, such as MH, MR, MMR, and JPEG, and sends the compressed image data to the high-speed CPU bus  220  or the high-speed image bus  222 , or conversely, expands compressed image data input via the two busses  220  and  222 , according to the method used for the compression, and sends the expanded image data to, the high-speed image bus  222 . 
     The panel interface  209  exchanges various control signals with the operating section  219 . More specifically, the panel interface  209  transfers signals from input switches, such as keys arranged on the operating section  219 , to the CPU  201 , and performs resolution conversion for displaying the image data generated by the PDL function unit  206 , the image processing section  207 , and the compression/expansion section  208 , on a display section, not shown, of the operating section  219 . 
     The modem  210  is a function unit interposed between a public line  223  and the low-speed CPU bus  221 , and has the function of modulating digital data sent from the low-speed CPU bus  221  and sending the modulated data to the public line  223 , and the function of demodulating modulated data sent from the public line  223  to convert the data to digital data that can be processed by the MFP  200 . 
     The network I/F  211  is a function unit for connecting the MFP  200  to a local area network (LAN)  224 . The network I/F  211  is used for transmitting and receiving data to and from the LAN  224 . The LAN  224  can be implemented by an Ethernet network, for example. 
     The management unit I/F  212  is a function unit for connecting between the MFP  200  and a managing apparatus  225 . The management unit I/F  212  sends control commands to the managing apparatus  225  and receives enable signals from the managing apparatus  225 . 
     The scanner I/F  213  has the function of transferring image data read by the scanner unit  214  to the high-speed image bus  222 . The scanner I/F  213  also has the function of subjecting image data read by the scanner unit  214  to binarization processing optimal for processes to be executed afterward, and serial-parallel conversion dependent on the bus width of the high-speed image bus  222 . Further, when image data read by the scanner unit  214  is color data, the scanner I/F  213  is capable of converting the data of three primary colors R, G, and B into color data of C, M, Y, B, and K. 
     The scanner unit  214  is an image reading apparatus equipped with an automatic original feeder. The scanner unit  214  includes a three-line (RGB) CCD color sensor or a single-line monochrome CCD sensor. 
     The printer I/F  215  transfers the image data sent from the high-speed image bus  222  to the printer unit  216 . The printer I/F  215  has a bus width conversion function for converting the bus width of the high-speed image bus  222  to a buss width suitable for the range of levels of halftone of the printer unit  216 , and the function of accommodating a difference between the printing speed of the printer unit  216  and the image data transfer speed of the high-speed image bus  222 . 
     The printer unit  216  prints out image data received from the printer I/F  215  on recording media, such as sheets, as visible image data. The printer unit  216  may be implemented by an ink jet printer that prints out an image on a recording media by an ink jet printing method, an optical beam printer using electrophotographic technology that forms an image on a photoconductor drum using a laser beam or light generated by LEDs (light-emitting diodes), and then prints the image on a recording medium, a transfer-type printer using an ink ribbon, or a dye sublimation-type printer using an ink film. These printers include monochrome types and color types. 
     The FAX I/F  217  is a function unit used for exchanging information between the high-speed image bus  222  and a facsimile function unit  218 . The facsimile function unit  218  is implemented by hardware having the function of transmitting and receiving image data to achieve facsimile transmission/reception, and connected to the high-speed image bus  222  via the FAX I/F  217 . 
     The operating section  219  is comprised of the aforementioned display section and an input section. The display section is comprised of a display implemented by an LCD (liquid crystal display), and LEDs (light emitting diodes), for example. The input section is comprised of a touch panel type input section attached to the liquid crystal display, and a plurality of hard keys. A signal input via the touch panel type input section or a hard key is transmitted to the CPU  201  via the panel I/F  209 , and the liquid crystal display displays character and/or image data received from the panel I/F  209  via the CPU  201 . 
     The high-speed CPU bus  220  interconnects the CPU  201 , the HDD  202 , the memory  203 , and the function units, to transfer data processed by the CPU  201  to the function units, and enable high-speed data transfer (DMA transfer) between the function units. Examples of this kind of high-speed CPU bus include a VL bus and a PCI bus. The low-speed CPU bus  221  has a bus configuration for slower-speed data transfer than the high-speed CPU bus  220 , and interconnects between function units operating at relatively low processing speeds. An example of this kind of low-speed CPU bus is an ISA bus. The high-speed image bus  222  interconnects image input and output buses of the image data generating units (the PDL function unit  206 , the image processing section  207 , and the compression/expansion section  208 ) with the scanner I/F  213 , and the printer I/F  215 . The high-speed image bus  222  is not controlled by the CPU  201 , but by a bus controller, not shown, for data transfer. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the multi-function printer (MFP) in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 3 , reference numeral  300  designates a multi-function printer (MFP) corresponding to the MFP  101  or  102  in  FIG. 1  and the MFP  200  in  FIG. 2 . 
     The MFP  300  is comprised of an operation control program  301 , an operating section message output program  302 , an Internet connection program  303 , a service details recognition program  304 , an MFP-installed function diagnosis program  305 , an MFP-installed program diagnosis program  306 , a PDL program  307 , a SEND program  308 , and a FAX program  309 . 
     The operation control program  301  controls the operating section  219 . The operating section message output program  302  controls output of a message to be displayed on the display section of the operating section  219 . 
     The Internet connection program  303  constructs a network using e.g. a networking device, such as an Ethernet device, and connects the network to the Internet. The service details recognition program  304  recognizes service details on the Internet  103  which are accessible by the MFP  300 . 
     In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the ASP services accessible by the MFP  300  include the public print service, the document storing service, and the FAX transfer service, and the service details recognition program  304  recognizes the details of these services. 
     The MFP-installed function diagnosis program  305  diagnoses and recognizes functions actually installed in the MFP  300 . In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the MFP-installed function diagnosis program  305  recognizes the MFP  101  as being equipped with the SEND function and the facsimile function, and the MFP  102  as being equipped with the PDL function and the SEND function. 
     The MFP-installed program diagnosis program  306  diagnoses various programs for realizing various functions and determines whether or not the programs are installed in the MFP  300  in the updated state. 
     The PDL program  307  is firmware for realizing the function of the PDL function unit  206 . The PDL program  307  is stored in a storage device, not shown, as hardware of the PDL function unit  206  or in a storage device, not shown, incorporated in the MFP  300 . By implementing these storage devices by flash ROMs (Flash Read Only Memories) or the like, the PDL program  307  can be externally downloaded or updated to the latest version. 
     The SEND program  308  is firmware for realizing the SEND function unit  205 . The SEND program  308  is stored in a storage device, not shown, as hardware of the SEND function unit  205  or in the storage device incorporated in the MFP  300 . By implementing these storage devices by the flash ROMs or the like, the SEND program  308  can be externally downloaded or updated to the latest version. 
     The FAX program  309  is firmware for realizing the function of the facsimile function unit  218 . The FAX program  309  is stored in a storage device, not shown, as hardware of the facsimile function unit  218  or in the storage device incorporated in the MFP  300 . By implementing these storage devices by the flash ROMs or the like, the FAX program  309  can be externally downloaded or updated to the latest version. 
     In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the MFP-installed program diagnosis program  306  recognizes the MFP  101  as being equipped with the latest SEND program  308  and the latest FAX program  309 , and recognizes the MFP  102  as being equipped with the latest FAX program  309 . 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram showing an example of a table summarizing the relationship between functions necessary for receiving the public print service  104 , the document storing service  105 , and the FAX transfer service  106 , and functions actually installed in the MFPs. 
     By checking “Service Available?” fields in the table in  FIG. 4 , it can be determined whether or not currently installed functions and programs are sufficient for the MFP  101  (MFP ( 1 )) and the MFP  102  (MFP ( 2 )) to receive the services. The determination is performed by the MFP-installed function diagnosis program  305  and the MFP-installed program diagnosis program  306 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , the symbol “◯” indicates that a function and a program currently installed are sufficient for receiving the corresponding service. In other words, this symbol “◯” indicates that the corresponding service can be received anytime. The symbol “Δ” indicates that a function currently installed is sufficient for receiving the corresponding service, but a program has to be externally downloaded or updated to the latest version. The symbol “×” indicates that a function currently installed is not sufficient for receiving the corresponding service. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram showing examples of details of messages generated based on the table shown in  FIG. 4 , by the operating section message output program  302 . The messages are displayed on the LCD of the operating section  219 . 
     An LCD display ( 1 - 1 ) and an LCD display ( 2 - 1 ) shown in  FIG. 5  are examples in the case where a touch panel type LCD (liquid crystal display) is employed in the operating section  219 , and the messages are displayed in the two sections of “Services for New Subscriber” and “Services for Subscriber” under the title of “Internet Service Menu”. The section “Services for New Subscriber” displays information on whether or not functions and programs currently installed in the MFP are sufficient for receiving services that can be subscribed to, as icons corresponding to the aforementioned symbols: “◯”, “Δ” and “×”. 
     The section “Services for Subscriber” displays information on whether or not functions and programs currently installed in the MFP are sufficient for receiving services already subscribed to, as icons corresponding to the symbols. 
     In the LCD display, the icons have the same meanings as those of the corresponding symbols, respectively. 
     When the icon “Δ” or the icon “×” in the LCD display ( 1 - 1 ) or ( 1 - 2 ) is depressed on the touch panel type LCD, a message shown in the LCD display ( 1 - 2 ) or the LCD display ( 2 - 2 ) is displayed. 
     More specifically, the icon “×” in the LCD display ( 1 - 1 ) is displayed to indicate that the MFP  101  is not equipped with the PDL function, so that when it is depressed, a message recommending purchase of the PDL function (optional article) is displayed as the LCD display ( 1 - 2 ) on the LCD as follows: 
     “Please purchase a PDL option. For dealer information: http:// ooo.ne.jp/zzzzzzzzz” 
     On the other hand, the icons “Δ” in the LCD display ( 2 - 1 ) are displayed to indicate that the PDL program and the SEND program for realizing the PDL function and SEND function in the MFP  102  have to be externally downloaded or updated to the latest versions, so that when the upper one, for example, of the icons “Δ” is depressed, a message recommending externally downloading of the PDL program and the SEND program or updating the programs to the latest versions is displayed as the LCD display ( 2 - 2 ) on the LCD as follows: 
     “Please download the latest programs of the PDL option and the SEND option. http://ooo.ne.jp/xxxxxxxxxx” 
     Further, when the “×” icon in the LCD display ( 2 - 1 ) is depressed, a message similar to the above-mentioned message in the LCD display ( 1 - 2 ) is displayed as the LCD display ( 2 - 2 ) on the LCD. 
     When the LCD display ( 2 - 1 ) shows that the MFP  102  is equipped with the SEND function, but not with the program for enabling the SEND function, a display screen recommending acquirement of the program for enabling the SEND function may be displayed in timing in which the icon “Δ” is displayed on the LCD before depression thereof. 
     Next, a description will be given of the operation of the information processing system shown in  FIG. 1  with reference to  FIGS. 6 to 8 . 
       FIGS. 6 to 8  are a flowchart showing a flow of the operation of the information processing system in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring first to  FIG. 6 , first, the power of the MFP is turned on in a step S 601 . In the following step S 602 , the MFP is connected to the public print service  104 , the document storing service  105  or the FAX transfer service  106 , whereby communication with the service is enabled. 
     Then, in a step S 603 , the MFP displays the Internet service menu on the touch panel type LCD of the operating section  219 . The user operates the touch panel type LCD to access the Internet service menu of services provided on the Internet described hereinbefore. 
     “The LCD display ( 1 - 1 )” and “the LCD display ( 1 - 2 )” in  FIG. 5  are examples of the display contents of the service menu. The services demand MFPs at the service receiver end of functions necessary for receiving the services. 
     As described hereinabove, to receive the public print service  104  by an MFP, it is necessary to equip the MFP with the function unit for uploading document data to the server via the Internet  103 , and the PDL function unit  206  for printing out the document data by the MFP. It can be envisaged that the MFP sometimes uploads to the server not only data generated by application software, but also scanned image data generated by reading an image through the scanner unit  214 , and therefore the MFP also needs to have the SEND function unit  205  capable of generating scanned image data and transmitting the same. 
     To receive the document storing service  105  by an MFP, the MFP needs to have the SEND function unit  205 . 
     To receive the FAX transfer service  106  by an MFP, the MFP needs to have the SEND function unit  205  and the facsimile function unit,  218  for receiving facsimile data. 
     Next, in a step S 604 , the service details recognition program  304  recognizes what functions are required for receiving the above-mentioned services. Further, the MFP-installed function diagnosis program  305  checks whether or not the MFP is equipped with the necessary functions recognized by the service details recognition program  304 , on a service item-by-service item basis. In parallel with this, the MFP-installed program diagnosis program  306  checks whether or not programs for realizing the respective necessary functions recognized by the service details recognition program  304  are stored in the storage device as hardware for realizing the functions or in the storage device incorporated in the MFP. If the programs are stored, the MFP-installed program diagnosis program  306  checks whether or not the programs are the latest ones, on a function-by-function basis. 
     In a step S 605 , the MFP-installed function diagnosis program  305  checks whether or not the PDL function unit  206  is installed in the MFP as a requirement for receiving a predetermined service. If the PDL function unit  206  is installed in the MFP (YES to the step S 605 ), the process proceeds to a step S 611 , wherein a PDL function flag is set to  1 , and the flag value is stored in the HDD  202 , followed by the process proceeding to a step S 614  in  FIG. 7 . 
     In the step S 614  in  FIG. 7 , the MFP-installed function diagnosis program  306  checks whether or not the firmware as the latest program for realizing the function of the PDL function unit  206 , i.e. the latest PDL program  307  is installed in the MFP as a requirement for receiving a predetermined service. If the latest PDL program  307  is installed in the MFP (YES to the step S 614 ), the process proceeds to a step S 620 , wherein a PDL program flag is set to 1, and the flag value is stored in the HDD  202 , followed by the process proceeding to a step S 623  in  FIG. 8 . 
     In this case, the installation status of the PDL function and that of the PDL program in the MFP are indicated by a pair of a PDL function flag and a PDL program flag, and expressed as a pair of values of PDL (a PDL function flag value and a PDL program flag value). Each flag indicates “installation” when set to 1, and “non-installation” or “insufficiency (e.g. a state where the program is not the latest version)” when set to 0. For example, PDL (1, 0) indicates that the PDL function unit  206  is installed, but the PDL program  307  is not installed or not the latest version though it is installed. The PDL function flag and the PDL program flag are set to a value of 0 by default. 
     In the step S 623  in  FIG. 8 , the icon “◯”, “Δ” or “×” is displayed on the LCD on a service-by-service basis, based on the pair of the PDL function flag value and the PDL program flag value. For example, in the case of PDL (1, 0), the icon “Δ” is displayed as an entry corresponding to the PDL function unit  206  on the display of the operating section  219 . In the case of PDL (1, 1), the icon “◯” is displayed as the same entry. Further, in the case of PDL (0, 0), the icon “×” is displayed as the same entry. 
     On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S 605  in  FIG. 6  that the PDL function unit  206  is not installed in the MFP (NO to the step S 605 ), the process proceeds to a next step S 606 , wherein the PDL function flag is set to 0, and the flag value is stored in the HDD  202 , followed by the process proceeding to the next step S 607 . 
     If it is determined in the step S 614  in  FIG. 7  that the latest PDL program  307  is not installed in the MFP (NO to the step S 614 ), the process proceeds to the next step S 615 , wherein the PDL program flag is set to 0, and the flag value is stored in the HDD  202 , followed by the process proceeding to a step S 616 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , in the step S 607 , the MFP-installed function diagnosis program  305  checks whether or not the SEND function unit  205  is installed in the MFP as a requirement for receiving the predetermined service. If the SEND function unit  205  is installed in the MFP (YES to the step S 607 ), the process proceeds to a step S 612 , wherein the SEND function flag is set to 1, and the flag value is stored in the HDD  202 , followed by the process proceeding to the step S 616  in  FIG. 7 . 
     In the step S 616  in  FIG. 7 , the MFP-installed program diagnosis program  306  checks whether or not the firmware as the latest program for realizing the function of the SEND function unit  205 , i.e. the latest SEND program  308  is installed in the MFP as a requirement for receiving the predetermined service. If the latest SEND program  308  is provided in the MFP (YES to the step S 616 ), the process proceeds to a step S 621 , wherein the SEND program flag is set to 1, and the flag value is stored in the HDD  202 , followed by the process proceeding to the step S 623  in  FIG. 8 . 
     In this case, the installation status of the SEND function and that of the SEND program in the MFP are indicated by a pair of a SEND function flag and a SEND program flag, and expressed as a pair of values of SEND (a SEND function flag value and a SEND program flag value). Each flag indicates “installation” when set to 1, and “non-installation” or “insufficiency (e.g. a state where the program is not the latest version)” when set to 0. For example, SEND (1, 0) indicates that the SEND function unit  205  is installed, but the SEND program  308  is not the latest one though it is installed. The SEND function flag and the SEND program flag are set to a value of 0 by default. 
     In the step S 623  in  FIG. 8 , the icon “◯”, “Δ” or “×” is displayed on the LCD on a service-by-service basis, based on the pair of the SEND function flag value and the SEND program flag value. For example, in the case of SEND (1, 0), the icon “Δ” is displayed as an entry corresponding to the SEND function unit  205  on the display of the operating section  219 . In the case of SEND (1, 1), the icon “◯” is displayed as the same entry. Further, in the case of SEND (0, 0), the icon “×” is displayed as the same entry. 
     On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S 607  in  FIG. 6  that the SEND function unit  205  is not installed in the MFP (NO to the step S 607 ), the process proceeds to a step S 608 , wherein the SEND function flag is set to 0, and the flag value is stored in the HDD  202 , followed by the process proceeding to a step S 609 . 
     If it is determined in the step S 616  in  FIG. 7  that the latest SEND program  308  is not installed in the MFP (NO to the step S 616 ), the process proceeds to a step S 617 , wherein the SEND program flag is set to 0, and the flag value is stored in the HDD  202 , followed by the process proceeding to a step S 618 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , in the step S 609 , the MFP-installed program diagnosis program  306  checks whether or not the facsimile function unit  218  is installed in the MFP as a requirement for receiving the predetermined service. If the facsimile function unit  218  is installed in the MFP (YES to the step S 609 ), the process proceeds to a step S 613 , wherein the FAX function flag is set to 1, and the flag value is stored in the HDD  202 , followed by the process proceeding to the step S 618  in  FIG. 8 . 
     In the step S 618  in  FIG. 7 , the MFP-installed program diagnosis program  306  checks whether or not the firmware as the latest program for realizing the function of the Facsimile function unit  218 , i.e. the latest FAX program  309  is installed in the MFP as a requirement for receiving the predetermined service. If the latest FAX program  309  is installed in the MFP (YES to the step S 618 ), the process proceeds to a step S 622 , wherein the FAX program flag is set to 1, and the flag value is stored in the HDD  202 , followed by the process proceeding to the step S 623  in  FIG. 8 . 
     In this case, the installation status of the FAX function and that of the FAX program in the MFP are indicated by a pair of a FAX function flag and a FAX program flag, and expressed as a pair of values of FAX (a FAX function flag value and a FAX program flag value). Each flag indicates “installation” when set to 1, and “non-installation” or “insufficiency (e.g. a state where the program is not the latest version)” when set to 0. For example, FAX (1, 0) indicates that the Facsimile function unit  218  is installed, but the FAX program  309  is not installed or not the latest one though it is installed. The FAX function flag and the FAX program flag are set to a value of 0 by default. 
     In the step S 623  in  FIG. 8 , the icon “◯”, “Δ” or “×” is displayed on the LCD on a service-by-service basis, based on the pair of the FAX function flag value and the FAX program flag value. For example, in the case of FAX (1, 0), the icon “Δ” is displayed as an entry corresponding to the facsimile function unit  218  on the display of the operating section  219 , and in the case of FAX (1, 1), the icon “◯” is displayed as the same entry. Further, in the case of FAX (0, 0), the icon “×” is displayed as the same entry. 
     On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S 609  in  FIG. 6  that the facsimile function unit  218  is not installed in the MFP (NO to the step S 609 ), the process proceeds to the next step S 610 , wherein the FAX function flag is set to 0, and the flag value is stored in the HDD  202 , followed by the process proceeding to the step S 623  in  FIG. 8 . 
     Further, if it is determined in the step S 618  in  FIG. 7  that the latest FAX program is not installed in the MFP (NO to the step S 618 ), the process proceeds to the next step S 619 , wherein the FAX program flag is set to 0, and the flag value is stored in the HDD  202 . Then, the process proceeds to the step S 623  in  FIG. 8 , and the icon “◯”, “Δ” or “×” is displayed on the LCD based on the flags, as described above, followed by the process proceeding to the following step S 624 . Examples of display of the icons “◯”, “Δ” and “×” in the step S 623  are shown in the “LCD display ( 1 - 1 )” and the “LCD display ( 1 - 2 )” in  FIG. 5 . 
     In the step S 624  in  FIG. 8 , it is determined whether or not the icon “◯” displayed on the display of the operating section  219  has been depressed in the step S 623 . If the icon “◯” has been depressed, the process proceeds to a step S 627 , wherein the MFP is connected to the predetermined service, followed by terminating the present process. 
     On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S 624  that the icon “◯” has not been depressed, the process proceeds to a step S 625 , wherein it is determined whether or not the icon “Δ” displayed on the display of the operating section  219  has been depressed. If the upper one of the icons “Δ” in the LCD display ( 2 - 1 ), for example, has been depressed, the process proceeds to a step S 628 , wherein the message “Please download the latest programs of the PDL option and the SEND option. http://ooo.jp/xxxxxxxxxx”, which is shown in the LCD display ( 2 - 2 ) in  FIG. 5 , is displayed on the display of the operating section  219 , followed by terminating the present process. 
     On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S 625  that the icon “Δ” has not been depressed, the process proceeds to a step S 626 , wherein it is determined whether or not the icon “×” displayed on the display of the operating section  219  has been depressed. If the icon “×” has been depressed, the process proceeds to a step S 629 , wherein the message “Please purchase the PDL option. For dealer information: http://ooo.jp/zzzzzzzzz”, which is shown in the LCD display ( 1 - 2 ) in  FIG. 5 , is displayed on the display of the operating section  219 , followed by terminating the present process. 
     On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S 626  that the icon “×” has not been depressed, the process returns to the step S 624 . 
     Incidentally, with an increase in the number of services available on the Internet  103 , display contents become immense and more complicated, and therefore the method of displaying contents on the display of the operation section  219  may be changed such that the contents corresponding to the entries of the icon “◯” are omitted, and only the contents corresponding to the entries of the icons “Δ” and “×” are displayed. This method of displaying contents makes it possible to make most of a limited display space on the display to quickly inform the user of functions which are not installed or programs necessary which need to be downloaded or updated. 
     It should be noted that the mark or icon “Δ” or “×” may be displayed, based on results of a determination as to whether or not a function or a program currently installed is not sufficient for an MFP to receive a predetermined service, such that a user can distinguish between information indicating that the MFP is equipped with a predetermined function, but not with any program for enabling the function, and information indicating that the MFP is not equipped with the predetermined function. 
     The present invention is not limited to the above described embodiment, but can be modified in various manners based on the subject matter of the present invention, which should not be excluded from the scope of the present invention. 
     It is to be understood that the object of the present invention may also be accomplished by supplying a system or an apparatus with a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software, which realizes the functions of the above described embodiment is stored, and causing a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to read out and execute the program code stored in the storage medium. 
     In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above described embodiment, and hence the program code and a storage medium on which the program code is stored constitute the present invention. 
     Further, it is to be understood that the functions of the above described embodiment may be accomplished not only by executing the program code read out by a computer, but also by causing an OS (operating system) or the like which operates on the computer to perform a part or all of the actual operations based on instructions of the program code. 
     Further, it is to be understood that the functions of the above described embodiment may be accomplished by writing the program code read out from the storage medium into a memory provided in an expansion board inserted into a computer or a memory provided in an expansion unit connected to the computer and then causing a CPU or the like provided in the expansion board or the expansion unit to perform a part or all of the actual operations based on instructions of the program code. 
     Further, the above program has only to realize the functions of the above described embodiment on a computer, and the form of the program may be an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to an OS. 
     Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a magnetic-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a DVD-RW, a DVD+RW, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, and a ROM. Alternatively, the program is supplied by downloading from another computer, a database, or the like, not shown, connected to the Internet, a commercial network, a local area network, or the like. 
     CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-370867 filed Oct. 30, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.