Patent ID: 7299167

Claim:
A function adding system for adding a new function to an incorporated device, the system comprising: an arithmetic processing device in which a program to realize an additional function is installed; and a device which is an incorporated device for, when using an additional function, accessing the arithmetic processing device via a network, then making a request for processing of the additional function, and receiving a result of processing, wherein the device comprises: a communication unit for performing communication via the network; a storage unit in which a program to be executed is stored; an input/output unit for performing display and input; and a control unit for, when using an additional function on the basis of an input from the input/output unit, controlling the communication unit to access the arithmetic processing device via the network, then make a request for processing of the additional function and receive a result of processing, and for causing the input/output unit to display the result of processing, and wherein when the control unit controls the communication unit to access the arithmetic processing device, which is registered in advance or processed otherwise, via the network, and judges that an additional function is available, the control unit reconstructs a user interface and causes the input/output unit to display the user interface, and when use of the additional function is selected on the basis of an input from the input/output unit, the control unit controls the communication unit to request the arithmetic processing device to process the additional function via the network, and the control unit causes the input/output unit to display a result of processing received from the arithmetic processing device by controlling the communication unit.