Patent ID: 7149450

Claim:
An image forming apparatus that forms an image by reading an original image, said apparatus comprising: a storage section that stores at least one function program for function extension in said image forming apparatus; a restricting section that places usage restrictions on said at least one function program; a hot-pluggable connecting terminal connectable with a cancellation device that cancels the usage restrictions on said at least one function program; a detecting section that detects whether or not said cancellation device is connected to said connecting terminal; a read section that reads cancellation information from said cancellation device when said cancellation device is detected being connected to said connecting terminal by said detecting section; a cancellation section that cancels the usage restrictions on said at least one function program according to the cancellation information read by said read section; and a control section that controls an operation of equipment relevant to said at least one function program by using said at least one function program released from the usage restrictions by said cancellation section.