Patent Abstract:
An information processing apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive an application including a first application for the information processing apparatus, and a second application for a device other than the information processing apparatus, an installing unit configured to install the application received by the receiving unit, and an acquiring unit configured to acquire information for identifying a device on which to install the second application included in the application, wherein the installing unit installs the first application included in the application on the information processing apparatus, and sends the second application included in the application to the device identified by the information acquired by the acquiring unit.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a method for installing an application program.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Some recent personal computers (hereinafter referred to as PCs) can operate in cooperation with a multifunction peripheral which is connected thereto via a network and has an image forming function and the like.  
         [0005]     Further, in recent years, like PCs, multifunction peripherals loaded with Java® can install application programs (hereinafter referred to as applications) from other devices on the network. Accordingly, the multifunction peripheral, in expanding its functions, can install new applications from other devices connected thereto via the network.  
         [0006]     In a system that offers functions by cooperation between a PC and a multifunction peripheral, methods for newly expanding a function include installing an application on either the PC or the multifunction peripheral. Alternatively, an application can be installed on both the PC and the multifunction peripheral so as to realize a new function.  
         [0007]     Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-007135 discusses a method for sequentially installing programs required for plural terminals connected via network. However, this method cannot be applied to a system that realizes cooperative functions by installing applications on both a PC and a multifunction peripheral.  
         [0008]     Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-032184 discusses a method for installing software programs that have a relation to become a pair such as a program for a center machine and a program for a terminal that are connected to a network. More specifically, a software providing device sends files including both of the programs to the center machine. The center machine extracts the program for the center machine and installs it. Then, the center machine extracts the program for the terminal and sends it to the terminal. The terminal installs the program for the terminal received from the center machine.  
         [0009]     According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-032184, installation effort can be eased. However, it is necessary for the center machine itself to store information for specifying the terminal that makes a pair with the center machine, to which the software program is installed. That is, the relation between the center machine and the terminal is always fixed and, thus, cannot be changed depending on a program to be installed.  
         [0010]     Furthermore, according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-032184, control over installation cannot be switched between the case where software programs having a relation to make a pair are received and the case when a software program to be installed only on the center machine is received.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention is directed to a method for automatically installing applications for mutually cooperating devices to the respective devices.  
         [0012]     According to an aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive an application, wherein the application includes a first application associated with the information processing apparatus, and a second application associated with a device other than the information processing apparatus; an installing unit configured to install the application received by the receiving unit; and an acquiring unit configured to acquire information identifying the device associated with the second application included in the application. The installing unit installs the first application included in the application on the information processing apparatus, and sends the second application included in the application to the device identified by the information acquired by the acquiring unit.  
         [0013]     According to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive an application; an installing unit configured to perform processing concerning installation of the application received by the receiving unit; and a determining unit configured to determine whether the application includes an application associated with an external device other than the information processing apparatus. If the determining unit determines that the application does not include an application associated with an external device other than the information processing apparatus, the installing unit installs the application on the information processing apparatus, and wherein, if the determining unit determines that the application includes an application associated with an external device other than the information processing apparatus, the installing unit identifies a first application for the information processing apparatus included in the application, installs the identified first application on the information processing apparatus, identifies a second application associated with the external device included in the application, and sends the identified second application to the external device.  
         [0014]     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for installing an application on an information processing apparatus includes receiving an application that includes a first application associated with the information processing apparatus and a second application associated with a device other than the information processing apparatus; installing the application received; and acquiring information identifying the device associated with the second application included in the application, wherein installing the application received includes installing the first application included in the application on the information processing apparatus and sending the second application included in the application to the device identified by the information acquired.  
         [0015]     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for installing an application on an information processing apparatus includes receiving an application, performing processing concerning installation of the application received; and determining whether the application includes an application associated with an external device other than the information processing apparatus, wherein, if it is determined that the application does not include an application associated with an external device other than the information processing apparatus, installing the application on the information processing apparatus, and if it is determined that the application includes an application associated with an external device other than the information processing apparatus, identifying a first application associated with the information processing apparatus included in the application, installing the identified first application on the information processing apparatus, identifying a second application associated with the external device included in the application, and sending the identified second application to the external device.  
         [0016]     According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, applications for mutually cooperating devices can be automatically installed on the respective devices.  
         [0017]     Further features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates a system configuration of an example of an image forming system.  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  illustrates a system configuration of hardware of a multifunction peripheral.  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  illustrates a system configuration of hardware of an information processing apparatus.  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of applications and licenses.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example of the contents of property information.  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example of the contents of property information.  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of an application.  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a license.  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  illustrates an example of the contents of  
         [0028]     property information.  
         [0029]      FIG. 10  illustrates an example of the contents of property information.  
         [0030]      FIG. 11  illustrates an example of an application installation screen of an information processing apparatus.  
         [0031]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing processing performed by an application installing unit of the information processing apparatus. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
       [0032]     Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.  
       First Exemplary Embodiment  
       [0033]      FIG. 1  illustrates a system configuration of an example of an image forming system. An information processing apparatus  1001 , in association with a multifunction peripheral  1003  to be described later herein, provides a storage function that the multifunction peripheral  1003  provides and an expanded function of a sending function, via a network  1007 , to client PCs  1004 ,  1005 ,  1006 , and the like. A local network  1002  is a network that connects the information processing apparatus  1001  and the multifunction peripheral  1003  and is accessible from both the information processing apparatus  1001  and the multifunction peripheral  1003 . With regard to a connection medium, any medium may be employed so long as it is a connection medium that enables bidirectional communications.  
         [0034]     The multifunction peripherals  1003  and  1008  read a document, print out read document data, or send read document data to various devices. Client PCs  1004  to  1006  instruct the multifunction peripheral  1003  or  1008  to print document data via the information processing apparatus  1001 . Alternatively, the client PCs  1004  to  1006  store document data read by the multifunction peripheral  1003  or  1008  via the information processing apparatus  1001 .  
         [0035]     The network  1007  connects the information processing apparatus  1001 , the client PCs  1004  to  1006 , and the multifunction peripheral  1008  and is accessible from the respective devices. With regard to a connection medium, any medium may be employed so long as it is a connection medium that enables bidirectional communications. Further, as a protocol used for sending and receiving data among the information processing apparatus  1001 , the client PCs  1004  to  1006 , and the multifunction peripheral  1008 , any of existing protocols including Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) may be employed. The protocol to be used for sending and receiving data may also be a completely original application protocol.  
         [0036]     Exemplary functions to be provided by cooperation between the multifunction peripheral  1003  and the information processing apparatus  1001  are described next. For example, the multifunction peripheral  1003  sends read document image data to the information processing apparatus  1001 , and the information processing apparatus  1001  performs character recognition processing on the sent image data, extracts text data, and stores the text data in the information processing apparatus  1001 . Further, for example, the multifunction peripheral  1003  sends read document data to the information processing apparatus  1001 , and the information processing apparatus  1001  sends the received image data to a predetermined destination with a predetermined protocol. In order to attain these functions, the multifunction peripheral  1003  requires an application for reading document image data and sending the image data to the information processing apparatus  1001 . Additionally, the information processing apparatus  1001  requires an application for performing character recognition on the received image data and performing processing for sending.  
         [0037]     The multifunction peripheral  1003  and the multifunction peripheral  1008  are loaded with an execution environment for Java® and, thus, can execute Java® applications.  
         [0038]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary system configuration of hardware of the multifunction peripheral  1003  or  1008 . A controller unit  2000  can input and output image information and device information. The controller unit  2000  is connected to a scanner  2070 , serving as an image input device, and a printer  2095 , serving as an image output device, and is also connected to a local area network (LAN)  2011  and a wide area network (WAN)  2051 .  
         [0039]     A central processing unit (CPU)  2001  is a controller that controls the system of the multifunction peripheral  1003  or  1008 . A random access memory (RAM)  2002  is a system work memory for the CPU  2002  to operate, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data, or a work memory in which various applications are executed.  
         [0040]     A ROM  2003  is a boot ROM, in which a boot program of the system is stored. An HDD  2004  is a hard disk drive, which stores system software (system software program), image data, various applications (various application programs), and histories of various jobs processed in the multifunction peripheral  1003  or  1008 . Each program, as necessary, is read into the RAM  2002  and executed by the CPU  2001 . The multifunction peripheral  1003  or  1008  can share memory areas with a specified client PC via a network interface (I/F)  2010 .  
         [0041]     An operating unit I/F  2006  is an interface unit between an operating unit (UI)  2012  having a touch panel and the controller unit  2000 , and outputs image data to be displayed on the operating unit  2012  to the operating unit  2012 . Further, the operating unit I/F  2006  can transmit information that a user of the multifunction peripheral inputs via the operating unit  2012  to the CPU  2001 .  
         [0042]     The network I/F  2010  connects the controller unit  2000  to the LAN  2011  and inputs and outputs information. A modem  2050  connects the controller unit  2000  to the WAN  2051  and inputs and outputs information. A removable media slot  2100  is a slot to which a removable data storage medium such as a memory card can be connected, and can store and read image data. The above-described devices are arranged on a system bus  2007 .  
         [0043]     An image bus I/F  2005  is a bus bridge that connects the system bus  2007  and an image bus  2008  that transfers image data at a high speed, and converts data structures. The image bus  2008  includes a PCI bus or an IEEE 1394 bus. The following devices are arranged on the image bus  2008 .  
         [0044]     A raster image processor (RIP)  2060  rasterizes page description language (PDL) code into bitmap images. A device I/F unit  2020  connects the scanner  2070  and the printer  2095  to the controller unit  2000 , and performs a sync/async system conversion of image data.  
         [0045]     A scanner image processing unit  2080  corrects, processes, and edits input image data. A printer image processing unit  2090  performs correction, resolution conversion, and the like on image data to be printed out. An image rotating unit  2030  rotates image data. An image compressing unit  2040  performs compression and expansion processes of multivalued image data into JPEG, or binary image data into JBIG, MMR, or MH. An encryption/decryption processing unit  2110  is a hardware accelerator board that performs data encryption/decryption processes using a specified key and the like.  
         [0046]      FIG. 3  illustrates a system configuration of hardware of the information processing apparatus  1001 . The hardware structures of the client PCs  1004 ,  1005 , and  1006  are similar to that of the information processing apparatus  1001 . The information processing apparatus  1001  includes a CPU  3001 , a random access memory (RAM)  3002 , a cathode ray tube (CRT)  3003 , and a keyboard  3004 , which are mutually connected via a system bus  3010 . Further, the information processing apparatus  1001  includes a read-only memory (ROM)  3006 , a disk  3007 , a pointing device  3005 , a communication I/F ( 1 )  3008 , and a communication I/F ( 2 )  3009 , which are mutually connected via the system bus  3010 .  
         [0047]     A program for controlling the information processing apparatus  1001  is stored in the ROM  3006  or the disk  3007 , and is read, as necessary, into the RAM  3002  and executed by the CPU  3001 .  
         [0048]     The CPU  3001  performs displaying via the CRT  3003 , and receives a user&#39;s instruction via the keyboard  3004  and the pointing device  3005 . Further, the CPU  3001  performs communications with external devices (client PC, and multifunction peripheral) via the communication I/F ( 1 )  3008  or the communication I/F ( 2 )  3009 .  
         [0049]     In the present exemplary embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the CPU  3001  receives user&#39;s inputs from the keyboard  3004  and the pointing device  3005  via the system bus  3010 . Further, the CPU  3001  controls the RAM  3002 , the CRT  3003 , the ROM  3006 , the disk  3007 , the communication I/F ( 1 )  3008 , and the communication I/F ( 2 )  3009 .  
         [0050]     The communication I/F ( 1 )  3008  is connected, via the network  1007 , with the client PCs  1004  to  1006  and the multifunction peripheral  1008 . The communication I/F ( 2 )  3009  is connected with the multifunction peripheral  1003  via the local network  1002 . Further, the information processing apparatus  1001  is loaded with an execution environment for Java®, and, thus can execute Java® applications, like the multifunction peripherals  1003  and  1008 .  
         [0051]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of applications and licenses in the present exemplary embodiment. An application A  4001  includes an application a  4002 , an application b  4004 , and property information X  4006 . Further, the application a  4002  is encrypted with a key a  4003 , and the application b  4004  is encrypted with a key b  4005 . Furthermore, the application A  4001  is encrypted with a key A  4007 . The information processing apparatus  1001  installs the application a  4002 , and the multifunction peripheral  1003  installs the application b  4004 . The information processing apparatus  1001  and the multifunction peripheral  1003  run these applications so as to realize a function provided by cooperation between the information processing apparatus  1001  and the multifunction peripheral  1003 . Hereinafter, descriptions are made on the assumption that a multifunction peripheral to be cooperated with the information processing apparatus  1001  is the multifunction peripheral  1003 . However, it may be also the multifunction peripheral  1008 .  
         [0052]     A license A  4008  includes a license a  4009 , a license b 4011 , and property information Y  4013 . The license a  4009  stores a decryption key a  4010 , and the license b  4011  stores a decryption key b  4012 . Further, the license A  4008  itself stores a decryption key A  4014 .  
         [0053]     The relation between the application a  4002  and the application b  4004  and that between the license a  4009  and the license b  4011  are described later with reference to  FIG. 6 . In the present exemplary embodiment, descriptions are made on the assumption that the license a  4009  and the like are not encrypted. However, they may be encrypted with a predetermined method such as a public key cryptosystem.  
         [0054]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example of the contents of the property information X  4006 . In the property information X  4006 , various kinds of information concerning the application A  4001  are described. Information  5001  is provided for identifying whether plural applications are stored in the application A  4001 . In the example shown in  FIG. 5 , “True” is set therein. The plural applications correspond to an application to be installed on the information processing apparatus  1001  and an application to be installed on the multifunction peripheral  1003 . Information  5002  is provided for identifying the application a  4002  for the information processing apparatus  1001  included in the application A  4001 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the information  5002  uses the file name of the application a  4002 .  
         [0055]     Information  5003  is provided for identifying the application b  4004  for the multifunction peripheral  1003 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the information  5003  uses the file name of the application b  4004 . Information  5004  indicates the start order (launching order) of applications. In the present exemplary embodiment, applications are started (launched) in a sequential order of Application-a.jar  5002  and Application-b.jar  5003 . Information  5005  is provided for uniquely identifying the application A  4001 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the information  5005  uses a serial number uniquely generated by developers or vendors of applications.  
         [0056]     The property information Xin the present exemplary embodiment handles a text format. However, a markup language format, such as XML, or a binary format can also be employed. This is similarly applied to the format of the property information Y, the property information m, and the property information n to be described later.  
         [0057]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example of the contents of the property information Y  4013 . Information  6001  is provided for identifying whether plural licenses are stored in the license a 4009 . In the example shown in  FIG. 6 , “True” is set therein. Information  6002  is provided for associating the license file stored in the license a  4009  with an application to make a pair therewith. In the present exemplary embodiment, the information  6002  indicates that the license file name License-a.lic is the license of Application-a.jar. Similarly, information  6003  is provided for associating the license file stored in the license b 4011  with an application to make a pair therewith. In the present exemplary embodiment, the information  6003  indicates that the license file name License-b.lic is the license of Application-b.jar.  
         [0058]     Information  6004  is provided for identifying the individual piece of the information processing apparatus  1001  to which installation is permitted. In the present exemplary embodiment, the information  6004  indicates that installation can be made on only an information processing apparatus  1001  having identification information SN-abcd12345. Information  6005  is provided for identifying the individual piece of the multifunction peripheral  1003  to which installation is permitted. In the present exemplary embodiment, the information  6005  indicates that installation can be made on only a multifunction peripheral  1003  having identification information SN-efgh67890. Information  6006  is provided for identifying an application to make a pair with the license A 4008 . The information  6006 , being the same value as that of the information  5005 , indicates that the license  4008  is paired with the application A 4001 .  
         [0059]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the application a  4002 . Application  7001  is a substance of the application a  4002 , which is a program that actually runs on the information processing apparatus  1001 . Property information m  7002  indicates the property information of the application a  4002 , in which information illustrated in  FIG. 9  to be described later herein is stored. In the present exemplary embodiment, the application b 4004  has a similar structure as that in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0060]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the license a  4009 . License  8001  is a substance of the license a  4009 , which is referred to when the application a 4002  is installed on the information processing apparatus  1001 . Property information n  8002  indicates the property information of the license a  4009 , in which information illustrated in  FIG. 10  to be described later herein is stored. In the present exemplary embodiment, the license  8001  and the property information n  8002  are shown with different blocks. However, they do not have to be physically different in some data formats. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the license b  4011  has a similar structure as that in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0061]      FIG. 9  illustrates an example of the contents of the property information m  7002 . Information  9001  is provided for identifying whether plural applications are stored in the application a  4002 . In the example shown in  FIG. 9 , “False” is set therein. Information  9002  is provided for uniquely identifying the application a  4002 .  
         [0062]      FIG. 10  illustrates an example of the contents of the property information n  8002 . Information  10001  is provided for identifying whether plural licenses are stored in the license a  4009 . In the example shown in  FIG. 10 , “False” is set therein. Information  10002  is provided for identifying the individual piece of the information processing apparatus  1001  to which installation is permitted. In the present exemplary embodiment, the information  10002  indicates that installation can be made on only an information processing apparatus  1001  having identification information SN-abcd12345. Information  10003  is provided for identifying an application to make a pair with the license a  4009 . The information  10003 , being the same value as that of the information  9002 , indicates that the license a  4009  is paired with the application a  4002 .  
         [0063]      FIG. 11  illustrates an example of the application installation screen of the information processing apparatus  1001 . An HTTP server is loaded to the information processing apparatus  1001 . The application installation screen is sent from the information processing apparatus  1001  at the request of a web browser of the client PC  1004 . The client PC  1004  (hereinafter, the PC  1004  may be replaced with the PC  1005  or the PC  1006 ) that receives the application installation screen via the communication I/F ( 1 )  3008  and the network  1007  causes the web browser to display the application installation screen on a CRT. Alternatively, on the CRT  3003  of the information processing apparatus  1001 , the installation screen shown in  FIG. 11  may be displayed.  
         [0064]     An entry field  11001  is used for a user to specify an application stored on the disk  3007  of the client PC  1004 . In the example shown, the file name of the application A  4001  is entered. An entry field  11002  is used for the user to specify a license stored on the disk  3007  of the client PC  1004 . In the example shown, the file name of the license A  4008  is entered. A button  11003  is used for a user to instruct the start of installation, which has the function to send entered information to the information processing apparatus  1001 . A button  11004  is used for the user to instruct canceling the processing on the application installation screen and returning to another operation screen (not illustrated).  
         [0065]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating a part of the processing performed by an application installing unit (not illustrated) of the information processing apparatus  1001 . The application installing unit includes a software module executed by the CPU  3001  of the information processing apparatus  1001  to install an application on the information processing apparatus  1001 . The application installing unit is stored on the disk  3007  of the information processing apparatus  1001 . The application installing unit can include plural program modules according to the respective steps in  FIG. 12 .  
         [0066]     The flowchart in  FIG. 12  illustrates the process where, more specifically, the button  11003  in  FIG. 11  is pressed and an installation instruction accompanied with the application A 4001  and the license A 4008  is received and recognized. The flowchart in  FIG. 12  is executed by the CPU  3001  of the information processing apparatus  1001 .  
         [0067]     In step  12001 , the application installing unit receives the application A  4001 . The application installing unit stores the application A  4001  received via the communication I/F ( 1 )  3008  in a specified position in the disk  3007 .  
         [0068]     In step  12002 , the application installing unit receives the license A  4008 . The application installing unit stores the license A 4008  received via the communication I/F ( 1 )  3008  in a specified position of the disk  3007 . The order of step  12001  and step  12002  may be reversed.  
         [0069]     In step  12003 , the application installing unit analyzes the license A 4008  received in step  12002 . The application installing unit analyzes the contents of the property information Y  4013 .  
         [0070]     In step  12004 , the application installing unit determines whether to permit installation. The application installing unit compares the information  6004  of the property information Y  4013  with the information identifying the information processing apparatus  1001  to determine whether they agree with each other. In exemplary embodiments, the information identifying the information processing apparatus  1001  itself is stored in the disk  3007  or the ROM  3006 . Further, the application installing unit acquires the information identifying the multifunction peripheral  1003  from the multifunction peripheral  1003  connected via the communication I/F ( 2 )  3009 , and determines whether the acquired information and the information  6005  agree with each other. In exemplary embodiments, the information identifying the information processing apparatus  1001  used for the determination is stored in, for example, the ROM  3006  or the disk  3007 .  
         [0071]     When it is determined in step  12004  that the information  6004  of the property information Y  4013  and the information identifying the information processing apparatus  1001  agree with each other as the results of the two determinations, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12005 . On the other hand, if one of the determinations is negative, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12023 .  
         [0072]     In step  12005 , the application installing unit decrypts the application A  4001  stored in step  12001 . The application installing unit decrypts the application A  4001  using the key A  4014  of the license A  4008 . The application installing unit stores the decrypted result on the RAM  3002  or the disk  3007 .  
         [0073]     In step  12006 , the application installing unit determines the matching between the license and the application. The application installing unit determines whether the information  5005  and the information  6006  agree with each other. When they agree with each other as the result of the determination, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12007 . On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12023 .  
         [0074]     In step  12007 , the application installing unit determines whether plural applications are stored in the application A  4001 . The application installing unit determines whether the information  5001  is true. In the present exemplary embodiment, when the information  5005  and the information  6006  agree with each other, the same value is stored in the information  5001  and the information  6001 . If it is determined that plural applications are stored, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12008 , otherwise, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12024 . Alternatively, the determination can be made by checking whether an application that a device other than the information processing apparatus  1001  (the multifunction peripheral  1003  in the example shown in  FIG. 5 ) installs is described in the information  5003 .  
         [0075]     In step  12008 , the application installing unit analyzes a license for its own device. The application installing unit identifies the license a 4009  from the information  5002  and the information  6002 , and acquires the property information n 8002 . In the present exemplary embodiment, when the information  5005  and the information  6006  agree with each other, the information  6004  and the information  10002  agree with each other.  
         [0076]     In step  12009 , the application installing unit decrypts an application for its own device. The application installing unit identifies the application a 4002  from the information  5002 , and decrypts the application a 4002  using the decryption key a 4010  of the license a 4009 . The application installing unit stores the decrypted result on the RAM  3002  or the disk  3007 .  
         [0077]     In step  12010 , the application installing unit installs an application. The application installing unit installs the decrypted application a  4002  and the license  8001  on the information processing apparatus  1001 , and makes it ready to start the application a 4002 . More specifically, the application installing unit stores the decrypted application a 4002  and the license  8001  into a predetermined directory on the disk  3007 .  
         [0078]     In step  12011 , the application installing unit determines whether the installation process in step  12010  has ended normally. If the installation process has ended normally, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12012 . If the installation process has not ended normally, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12023 .  
         [0079]     In step  12012 , the application installing unit instructs the installation to a linked device. In the present exemplary embodiment, the linked device is the multifunction peripheral  1003 . The application installing unit acquires the application b  4004  and the license b  4011  from the information  5003  and  6003 , and instructs the multifunction peripheral  1003  to install the application b 4004  via the communication I/F ( 2 )  3009 .  
         [0080]     In the present exemplary embodiment, the multifunction peripheral  1003  also has an application installing unit, and a similar installation process as this flowchart is executed.  
         [0081]     In step  12013 , the application installing unit determines whether the installation instruction in step  12012  has ended normally. If the installation instruction has ended normally, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12014 . If the installation instruction has not ended normally, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12023 .  
         [0082]     In step  12014 , the application installing unit determines whether to start the application for its own device in first. The application installing unit analyzes the information  5004  to determine the sequential order of applications to be started. If the application installing unit determines that the application for its own device is to be started in first, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12015 . I the application installing unit determines that the application for its own device is not to be started in first, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12019 .  
         [0083]     In step  12015 , the application installing unit starts the application installed on the information processing apparatus  1001 . The application installing unit starts the application a  4002  installed in step  12010 .  
         [0084]     In step  12016 , the application installing unit determines whether the start of the application in step  12015  has succeeded. If the start of the application in step  12015  has succeeded, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12017 . If the start of the application in step  12015  has not succeeded, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12023 .  
         [0085]     In step  12017 , the application installing unit instructs the start of the application for the linked device. The application installing unit instructs the multifunction peripheral  1003  to start the application b  4004  via the communication I/F ( 2 )  3009 .  
         [0086]     In step  12018 , the application installing unit determines whether the application start instruction in step  12017  has succeeded. If the application start instruction has succeeded, the application installing unit ends the processing of this flowchart. If the application start instruction has not succeeded, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12023 .  
         [0087]     In step  12019 , the application installing unit performs the same processing as step  12017 . In step  12020 , the application installing unit determines whether the application start instruction in step  12019  has succeeded. If the application start instruction has succeeded, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12021 . If the application start instruction has not succeeded, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12023 .  
         [0088]     In step  12021 , the application installing unit performs the same processing as step  12015 . In step  12022 , the application installing unit determines whether the start of the application in step  12021  has succeeded. If the start of the application has succeeded, the application installing unit ends the processing of this flow chart. If the start of the application has not succeeded, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12023 .  
         [0089]     In step  12023 , the application installing unit performs various error processing. The application installing unit performs processes to inform the user that the application installation has not been made normally, or to inform the user that the start of the application after installation has not been made normally. The application installing unit ends the processing of this flowchart after completion of step  12023 .  
         [0090]     In step  12024 , the application installing unit installs an application. The application installing unit performs the same process as step  12010 . In step  12025 , the application installing unit determines whether the installation process in step  12024  has ended normally. If the installation process has ended normally, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12026 . If the installation process has not ended normally, the application installing unit proceeds to step  12027 .  
         [0091]     In step  12026 , the application installing unit starts an application for its own device. The application installing unit performs the same process as step  12015 . The application installing unit ends the processing of this flowchart after completion of step  12026 . Additionally, although not illustrated in  FIG. 12 , a step for determining whether the start of the application has ended normally, for example, as in step  12016 , may be added to this flowchart.  
         [0092]     In step  12027 , the application installing unit performs error processing. The application installing unit performs processing to inform the user that the application installation has not been made normally. The application installing unit ends the processing of this flowchart after completion of step  12027 .  
         [0093]     According to the first exemplary embodiment, mutually cooperating applications can be handled as a single application (for example, the application A  4001 ) between cooperating devices (for example, between the information processing apparatus  1001  and the multifunction peripheral  1003 ). Accordingly, a user does not have to be conscious about the inconsistency between applications (for example, between the application a  4002  and the application b  4004 ). Furthermore, each application is automatically installed on the associated device with the processing by the device.  
         [0094]     Further, according to the present exemplary embodiment, for example, as shown in step  12015  and step  12017  in  FIG. 12 , applications after installation are automatically started so that an inconsistency at linked operations does not occur. Accordingly, user friendliness is further improved. Further, in the case that such an application does not work correctly if it is not started in the sequential order determined between linked devices, applications can be started in their correct sequential order. Since the user does not have to start applications while paying attention to such a starting sequential order, user friendliness can be further improved.  
         [0095]     Furthermore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, for example, as shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 6 , applications and licenses are associated mutually. Accordingly, the user can efficiently control licenses concerning the installation of applications.  
         [0096]     Moreover, according to the present exemplary embodiment, for example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , an application is encrypted, and there is arranged a decryption key in the license associated with the application. Accordingly, for example, as shown in step  12005  and step  12009  in  FIG. 12 , the device can decrypt an installed application using the decryption key included in the license associated with the application. That is, security concerning applications or installation of applications can be improved.  
         [0097]     Still further, according to the present exemplary embodiment, for example, as shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 10 , information identifying a device permitted to install an application is included in property information of a license associated with the application. Accordingly, for example, as shown in step  12004  in  FIG. 12 , the device can determine (identify) an information processing apparatus to which installation is available. Accordingly, applications can be reduced or prevented from being installed on unintended devices.  
         [0098]     Furthermore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the information processing apparatus  1001  and the multifunction peripheral  1003  have application installing units, and perform processing as shown in  FIG. 12 . Accordingly, when an application is installed on any of plural linked devices, an application is installed on other devices. Therefore, user friendliness can be further improved.  
       Second Exemplary Embodiment  
       [0099]     In the first exemplary embodiment, the information processing apparatus  1001  generates the installation instruction of applications and the start instruction of applications to the multifunction peripheral  1003  connected via the local network  1002  based on the information  5003 .  
         [0100]     However, for example, if information identifying the multifunction peripheral  1008  connected via the network  1007  is set in the information  5003 , the following processing can be performed. That is, the information processing apparatus  1001  searches for the multifunction peripheral  1008  connected via the network  1007  based on the information  5003 . Then, the information processing apparatus generates the installation instruction of applications and the start instruction of applications to the multifunction peripheral  1008 .  
         [0101]     As described above, according to exemplary embodiments, applications adapted for mutually cooperating devices can be automatically installed on the respective devices.  
         [0102]     While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all modifications, equivalent structures, and functions.  
         [0103]     This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-355139 filed Dec. 8, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6