Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-018510 filed on Jan. 29, 2009. The entire subject matter of the application is incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The following description relates to one or more techniques for accessing contents open to the public on a network. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    There are various kinds of contents open to the public on a network. Further, there are servers on the network which open to the public content summary information that includes a URL and a title of each of the contents. A feed is cited as an example of the content summary information. A format such as RSS (Resource Description Framework Site Summary) and Atom is generally applied to the feed. 
         [0006]    A terminal device has been known which is configured to acquire RSS feeds (each of which contains an image of an article as well) from a plurality of RSS servers and display a list of titles of the articles. When a title of an article is selected from the list, the terminal device displays thereon the title, a description, and an image of the article, and a link (button) to a web page of the article. Then, when the link button is selected, the terminal device acquires and displays information contained on the web page. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Such a terminal device may be required to select and access a corresponding one of plural kinds of feeds, depending on a status of the terminal device. 
         [0008]    Aspects of the present invention are advantageous to provide one or more improved techniques that make it possible to select an intended one of plural kinds of feeds in an easy manner. 
         [0009]    According to aspects of the present invention, a terminal device is provided, which includes an access unit configured to access content summary information on a server based on location information, the content summary information comprising first information and second information, the first information providing association between an identification for identifying a status of the terminal device and second location information for accessing the second information, the second information providing summary information of contents regarding the status of the terminal device, an identification acquiring unit configured to acquire the identification, a first location storage unit configured to store first location information for accessing the first information, a first access controller configured to control the access unit to access the first information based on the first location information stored on the first location storage unit, a retriever configured to retrieve the second location information associated with the acquired identification based on the first information accessed, and a second access controller configured to control the access unit to access the second information based on the second location information retrieved by the retriever. 
         [0010]    Optionally, the identification acquiring unit may be configured to acquire the identification input externally. Alternatively, the identification acquiring unit may be configured to acquire the identification automatically in response to detection of the status of the terminal device. 
         [0011]    According to aspects of the present invention, further provided is a computer readable medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon, which are executable by a processor accessible to content summary information on a server based on location information. The content summary information comprises first information and second information, the first information providing association between an identification for identifying a status of the processor and second location information for accessing the second information, the second information providing summary information of contents regarding the status of the processor. The instructions cause the processor to perform an identification acquiring step of acquiring the identification, a first location storing step of storing first location information for accessing the first information, a first accessing step of accessing the first information based on the first location information stored in the first location storing step, a retrieving step of retrieving the second location information associated with the acquired identification based on the first information accessed, and a second accessing step of accessing the second information based on the second location information retrieved in the retrieving step. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  schematically shows a multi-function peripheral (MFP) system in a first embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  exemplifies an error group information table in the first embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  exemplifies an error code information table in the first embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  exemplifies a setting information table in the first embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  exemplifies a bookmark table in the first embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing a procedure of an error detecting process to be executed by the MFP in the first embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing a procedure of an error information RSS feed acquiring process in the first embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  exemplifies a regional-code information table in the first embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  exemplifies a country code information table in the first embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  exemplifies a setting information table in a second embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  exemplifies a bookmark table in the second embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing a procedure of a using-country setting process to be executed by the MFP in the second embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing a procedure of a using-country RSS feed acquiring process to be executed by the MFP in the second embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart showing a procedure of a device specification setting process to be executed by the MFP in a third embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a flowchart showing a procedure of a specification RSS feed acquiring process to be executed by the MFP in the third embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    It is noted that various connections are set forth between elements in the following description. It is noted that these connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. Aspects of the invention may be implemented in computer software as programs storable on computer-readable media including but not limited to RAMs, ROMs, flash memories, EEPROMs, CD-media, DVD-media, temporary storage, hard disk drives, floppy drives, permanent storage, and the like. 
         [0028]    Hereinafter, embodiments according to aspects of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompany drawings. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0029]    In a first embodiment, an RSS feed URL  202 , depending on the kind of an error caused in a multi-function peripheral (MFP)  10 , is acquired from a bookmark server  90 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an MFP system  2  includes the MFP  10 , a plurality of PCs  70  and  71 , the bookmark server  90 , and a plurality of content providing servers  91 . 
         [0030]    The MFP  10  includes a controller  12 , a touch panel  50 , a keypad  52 , a printing unit  54 , a facsimile unit  58 , a network interface (I/F)  60 , and a PSTN I/F  62 . In addition, the controller  12  has a CPU  14 , a ROM  16 , a RAM  30 , and an NVRAM  40 . 
         [0031]    The CPU  14  performs various processes in accordance with various programs stored on the ROM  16 . Basic-function programs  18  are adapted to control basic operations of the MFP  10 . The basic-function programs  18  include programs for controlling the printing unit  54  and the facsimile unit  58 . An Internet connection program  20  is for establishing a connection with an Internet  8 . A feed analyzing program  22  is for analyzing a feed acquired from a content providing server  91  and creating content information. 
         [0032]    The NVRAM  40  is provided with a basic-function parameter storage area  42 , a setting information table  44 , an error group information table  46 , and an error code information table  48 . The basic-function parameter storage area  42  is configured to store various parameters, such as print settings and facsimile settings, which the CPU  14  uses when executing processes in accordance with the basic-function programs  18 . 
         [0033]    The error group information table  46  is configured to store error groups  203  and major divisional errors in association with each other. Various kinds of errors caused in the MFP  10  are classified into the major divisional errors on the basis of a higher concept. As exemplified in  FIG. 2 , each of the error groups  203  is denoted by a letter of the alphabet (e.g., “a,” “b,” “c,” “d,” etc.). The major divisional errors include “unknown error” representing unspecified errors, “paper jam error” representing paper jam, “cover open error” representing any cover left opened, and “ink-related error” representing errors concerning ink. 
         [0034]    The error code information table  48  is configured to store error codes  204  and minor divisional errors in association with each other. The errors classified into each of the major divisional errors are further classified into the minor divisional errors, based on detailed information on what kind of error each error is. As exemplified in  FIG. 3 , the error codes  204  are denoted by numerals (e.g., “0001,” “0002,” “0003,” “0004,” etc.). Additionally, for instance, the errors classified into the major divisional error “ink error” are further classified into minor divisional errors such as “ink empty error” representing a state out of ink and “ink blocked error” representing a clogged state of an ink channel. 
         [0035]    The setting information table  44  is configured to store various settings. As exemplified in  FIG. 4 , the setting information table  44  stores setting items such as a registered error group  223 , a registered error code  224 , a bookmark URL  201 , and a registered RSS feed URL  222 . As the registered error group  223 , an error group  203  corresponding to an error caused in the MFP  10  is registered. When no error occurs, no error group is registered as the registered error group  223 . As the registered error code  224 , an error code  204  corresponding to the error caused in the MFP  10  is registered. When no error occurs, no error code is registered as the registered error code  224 . In addition, when a major divisional error has been specified, yet a minor divisional error has not been specified for the error caused in the MFP  10 , no error code is registered as the registered error code  224 . The bookmark URL  201  is information for accessing the bookmark server  90  and acquiring bookmark RSS feeds. For example, the bookmark URL  201  may previously be registered as an initial setting at the time of manufacture of the MFP  1 . As the registered RSS feed URL  222 , stored is an RSS feed URL  202  corresponding to the registered error group  223  and the registered error code  224 , which URL  202  is retrieved from the bookmark table  94 . 
         [0036]    The network I/F  60  is linked with a LAN cable  4 . The MFP  10  is communicable with the PCs  70  and  71 , and accessible to the Internet  8 . 
         [0037]    The RAM  30  is provided with a basic-function work area  32 , which is a storage area to store various kinds of data generated during execution of a process in accordance with the basic-function programs  18 . 
         [0038]    The MFP  10  is connected with the LAN cable  4 . The PCs  70  and  71  are connected with the LAN cable  4 . The LAN cable  4  is linked with the Internet  8  via a router  6 . The bookmark server  90  and the content providing servers  91  are connected with the Internet  8 . Each of the bookmark server  90  and the content providing servers  91  opens to the public a site including a plurality of contents. 
         [0039]    Each of the content providing servers  91  stores error information RSS feeds (RSS-format feeds). Each of the error information RSS feeds is created for a corresponding one of errors, and includes various kinds of information such as information on how to handle or settle the corresponding error. For instance, an error information RSS feed, corresponding to the ink empty error, contains information on how to replace an ink cartridge and how to purchase a new ink cartridge. 
         [0040]    The bookmark server  90  stores The bookmark RSS feeds are transmitted to the MFP  10  via the Internet  8 . The MFP  10  creates the bookmark table  94  based on the bookmark RSS feeds. On the bookmark table  94 , a content title character string  140  and an RSS feed URL  202  are registered for each of plural kinds of errors. The content title character string  140  is a character string that includes an error group  203 , an error code  204 , and title characters representing a title of each content (error). Further, the RSS feed URL  202  is a URL for accessing an RSS feed corresponding to each error. 
         [0041]    As exemplified in  FIG. 5 , the bookmark table  94  is provided with n-pieces storage areas. Data numbers  210  of “1” to “n” are assigned to the storage areas, respectively. For example, the content title character string  140  corresponding to the data number  210  of “6” includes “d” as an error group  203 , “0006” as an error code  204 , and “ink empty error” as title characters. Further, the RSS feed URL  202  “http://rss.brother.com/InkEmptyERROR/” corresponding to the data number  210  of “6” is a URL for acquiring an error information RSS feed concerning the ink empty error. 
         [0042]    Operations of the MFP  10  in the first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , under an assumption that an ink empty error has occurred in the MFP  10 . An error detecting process will be set forth referring to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0043]    The CPU  14  initially detects (determines) whether an error has been caused in the MFP  10  (S 11 ). When no error has been caused (S 11 : No), the CPU  14  goes back to S 11  to continue the error detection. Meanwhile, when an error has been caused (S 11 : Yes), the CPU  14  advances to S 13 . 
         [0044]    In  13 , the CPU  14  retrieves an error group corresponding to the caused error from the error group information table  46  (S 13 ). Then, the retrieved error group  203  is registered as the registered error group  223  on the setting information table  44 . Additionally, the CPU  14  retrieves an error code  204  corresponding to the caused error from the error code information table  48 . Then, the retrieved error code  204  is registered as the registered error code  224  on the setting information table  44 . 
         [0045]    Since the present explanation is being provided under the assumption that the ink empty error has occurred, the error group  203  of “d” is retrieved from the error group information table  46  (see  FIG. 2 ), and registered as the registered error group  223  on the setting information table  44  (see  FIG. 4 ). Further, the error code  204  of “0006” is retrieved from the error code information table  48  (see  FIG. 3 ), and registered as the registered error code  224  on the setting information table  44 . 
         [0046]    Subsequently, an error information RSS feed acquiring process will be explained with reference to  FIG. 7 . The bookmark URL  201  is registered onto the setting information table  44  (S 19 ). For example, the bookmark URL  201  may be registered as an initial setting at the time of manufacture of the MFP  10 . Further, the bookmark URL  201  may be registered using the MFP  10  or the PC  70  or  71 . 
         [0047]    A process of S 21  to S 33  is a loop process executed while the MFP  10  is working. Thereby, an operation of always monitoring an error of the MFP  10  is performed. The CPU  14  accesses the bookmark server  90  based on the bookmark URL  201 , and acquires the bookmark RSS feeds (S 21 ). The CPU  14  executes the feed analyzing program  22  to create the bookmark table  94  (see  FIG. 5 ) from the bookmark RSS feeds acquired. 
         [0048]    Subsequently, the CPU  14  determines whether there is an RSS feed URL  202  corresponding to the registered error group  223  on the bookmark table  94  (S 23 ). Specifically, the CPU  14  determines whether the content title character strings  140  on the bookmark table  94  include an error group identical to the registered error group  223  on the setting information table  44 . When determining that the content title character strings  140  on the bookmark table  94  does not include an error group identical to the registered error group  223  on the setting information table  44  (S 23 : No), the CPU  14  goes to S 25 . In S 25 , the CPU  14  determines that the error caused in the MFP  10  is an unknown error (S 25 ). Then, the CPU  14  registers an RSS feed URL  202  for accessing an error information RSS feed regarding how to settle or handle the unknown error, as the registered RSS feed URL  222  on the setting information table  44 . Thereafter, the CPU  14  goes to S 33 . It is noted that the RSS feed URL  202  corresponding to the unknown error may, for instance, previously be registered as an initial setting at the time of manufacture of the MFP  10 . Meanwhile, when determining that the content title character strings  140  on the bookmark table  94  includes an error group identical to the registered error group  223  on the setting information table  44  (S 23 : Yes), the CPU  14  goes to S 27 . 
         [0049]    In the first embodiment, the CPU  14  detects an error group identical to the registered error group  223  “d” on the setting information table  44  (see  FIG. 4 ) which error group is included in the respective content title character strings  140  corresponding to the data numbers  210  equal to “6” and “7” on the bookmark table  94  (see  FIG. 5 ). Then, the CPU  14  goes to S 27 . 
         [0050]    In S 27 , the CPU  14  determines whether there is an RSS feed URL  202  corresponding to the registered error code  224  on the bookmark table  94  (S 27 ). Specifically, the CPU  14  determines whether the content title character strings  140  on the bookmark table  94  include an error code identical to the registered error code  224  on the setting information table  44 . When determining that the content title character strings  140  on the bookmark table  94  do not include an error code identical to the registered error code  224  on the setting information table  44  (S 27 : No), the CPU  14  goes to S 29 . In S 29 , the CPU  14  determines that the CPU  14  has specified the major divisional error of the caused error based on the error group but not yet the minor divisional error thereof based on the error code. Then, the CPU  14  registers an RSS feed URL  202  for accessing an error information RSS feed regarding how to handle or settle the major divisional error specified, as the registered RSS feed URL  222  on the setting information table  44 . Thereafter, the CPU  14  goes to S 33 . Meanwhile, when determining that the content title character strings  140  on the bookmark table  94  include an error code identical to the registered error code  224  on the setting information table  44  (S 27 : Yes), the CPU  14  goes to S 31 . 
         [0051]    In the first embodiment, the CPU  14  detects an error code identical to the registered error code  224  “0006” on the setting information table  44  (see  FIG. 4 ) which error code is included in the respective content title character strings  140  corresponding to the data number  210  equal to “6” on the bookmark table  94  (see  FIG. 5 ). Then, the CPU  14  goes to S 31 . 
         [0052]    In S 31 , the CPU  14  determines that the CPU  14  has exactly specified the caused error based on the major divisional error and the minor divisional error. Then, the CPU  14  registers an RSS feed URL  202  for accessing an error information RSS feed regarding how to handle or settle the minor divisional error, as the registered RSS feed URL  222  on the setting information table  44  (S 31 ). After that, the CPU  14  goes to S 33 . 
         [0053]    In the first embodiment, the RSS feed URL  202  “http://rss.brother.com/InkEmptyERROR/,” which corresponds to the data number  210  of “6” on the bookmark table  94  (see  FIG. 5 ), is stored as the registered RSS feed URL  222  on the setting information table  44  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0054]    In S 33 , the CPU  14  accesses a content providing server  91  based on the registered RSS feed URL  222  stored on the setting information table  44 , and acquires an intended error information RSS feed from the content providing server  91  (S 33 ). The CPU  14  executes the feed analyzing program  22 , creates content information based on the error RSS feed acquired, and displays the created content information on the touch panel  50 . 
         [0055]    In the first embodiment, the CPU  14  accesses a content providing server  91  based on the registered RSS feed URL  222  “http://rss.brother.com/InkEmptyERROR/,” and acquires the error information RSS feed concerning the ink empty error. Then, the CPU  14  creates contents regarding the ink empty error (e.g., an ink cartridge replacement method and an ink cartridge purchasing method), and displays the created contents on the touch panel  50 . Thereby, it is possible to render the MFP  10  more user-friendly which helps a user to replace the ink cartridge or purchase an ink cartridge in accordance with the information displayed on the touch panel  50 . 
         [0056]    Thus, the MFP  10  of the first embodiment can provide the following effects. By storing only the bookmark URL  201  on the setting information table  44 , the MFP  10  can acquire an RSS feed URL  202  corresponding to a specified error group  203  and a specified error code  204 . Thereby, even when the MFP  10  is required to select an RSS feed URL  202  corresponding to an error state from the RSS feed URLs  202  that are respectively prepared for error states frequently caused in the MFP  10  (e.g., an ink empty error, a paper jam, a cover-open error, etc.) and access the selected URL  202 , the MFP  10  needs not store all kinds of RSS feed URLs  202  on storage thereof. Thus, it is possible to reduce a storage capacity of the MFP  10 . 
         [0057]    In addition, in order to add or change an RSS feed URL  202 , the user has only to modify the bookmark RSS feeds stored on the bookmark server  90 , and does not have to modify anything of each individual MFP  10 . Thus, it is possible for the user to easily add or change an RSS feed URL  202 . 
         [0058]    Further, the MFP  10  of the first embodiment is provided with two hierarchies of error information, i.e., the error groups  203  and the error codes  204 . The error state is classified into a major divisional error based on the error group  203 , and further classified into a minor divisional error based on the error code  204 . Hence, it is possible to change a degree as to how detailed error information is to be offered depending on to what extent the error state is specified. Thus, it is possible to present appropriate error information. 
         [0059]    The MFP  10  of the first embodiment is configured to access an error information RSS feed for a previously-registered unknown error even when the MFP  10  cannot search an RSS feed URL  202  corresponding to any of a specified error group  203  and a specified error code  204  (i.e., when the MFP  10  determines the caused error is an unknown error). Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the MFP  10  cannot access any error information RSS feed when an unknown error is caused in the MFP  10 . 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0060]    In a second embodiment, the MFP  10  acquires an RSS feed URL corresponding to a country where the MFP  10  is used. In the second embodiment, the NVRAM  40  (see  FIG. 1 ) is provided with a setting information table  44   a , a regional-code information table  46   a , and a country code information table  48   a.    
         [0061]    The regional-code information table  46   a  stores regional codes  203   a  and regional names in association with each other. The regional codes are for classifying countries into higher-conceptional categories such as North and Central America and Europe. As exemplified in  FIG. 8 , each of the regional codes  203   a  is denoted by a letter of the alphabet (e.g., “a,” “b” “c” “d” etc.). 
         [0062]    The country code information table  48   a  stores country codes  204   a  and country names in association with each other. The country codes  204   a  are lower-conceptional categories than the regional codes  203   a . As exemplified in  FIG. 9 , the country codes  204   a  are denoted by numerals (e.g., “0001,” “0002,” “0003,” “0004,” etc.). 
         [0063]    The setting information table  44   a  is a table for storing various settings. As exemplified in  FIG. 10 , the setting information table  44   a  stores setting items such as a registered regional code  223   a , a registered country code  224   a , a bookmark URL  201   a , and a registered RSS feed URL  222   a . As the registered regional code  223   a , stored is a regional code  203   a  of a country where the MFP  10  is used. As the registered country code  224   a , stored is a country code  204   a  of the country where the MFP  10  is used. At the time of shipment of the MFP  10 , an arbitrary regional code  203   a  and an arbitrary country code  204   a  may be registered as the registered regional code  223   a  and the registered country code  224   a , respectively. It is noted that the bookmark URL  201   a  and the registered RSS feed URL  222   a  are the same as the bookmark URL  201  and the registered RSS feed URL  222 , respectively. Therefore, detailed explanations about the bookmark URL  201   a  and the registered RSS feed URL  222   a  will be omitted here. 
         [0064]    Each of the content providing servers  91  stores country information RSS feeds (RSS-format feeds). Each of the country information RSS feeds is created for a corresponding one of countries, and includes various kinds of information (e.g., update information) created in a language of the corresponding country. 
         [0065]    The bookmark server  90  stores bookmark RSS feeds (RSS-format feeds). The MFP  10  creates a bookmark table  94   a  based on the bookmark RSS feeds. On the bookmark table  94   a , a content title character string  140   a  and an RSS feed URL  202   a  are registered for each country. 
         [0066]    As exemplified in  FIG. 11 , the bookmark table  94   a  is provided with k-pieces of storage areas. Data numbers  210   a  of “1” to “k” are assigned to the storage areas, respectively. For example, the content title character string  140   a  corresponding to the data number  210   a  of “48” includes “f′ as a regional code  203   a, “ 0048” as a country code  204   a , and “Japan” as a country name. Further, the RSS feed URL  202   a  “http://rss.brother.co.jp” corresponding to the data number  210   a  of “48” is a URL for acquiring a country information RSS feed concerning Japan. 
         [0067]    Operations of the MFP  10  in the second embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The following description will be provided under an assumption that the MFP  10  is used in the United States of America. A using-country setting process will be set forth referring to  FIG. 12 . 
         [0068]    In S 41 , the CPU  14  determines whether an operation is provided for starting a country code setting process (S 41 ). The country code setting process is adapted to set a using country where the MFP  10  is used. The country code setting process is launched, for example, in response to a user operation on the touch panel  50 . When determining that an operation for starting a country code setting process is not provided (S 41 : No), the CPU  14  goes back to S 41  and continuously monitors whether an operation for starting a country code setting process is provided. Meanwhile, when determining that an operation for starting a country code setting process is provided (S 41 : Yes), the CPU  14  advances to S 43 . 
         [0069]    In the country code setting process of S 43 , the CPU  14  accepts a user&#39;s input to specify a using country. The user&#39;s input to specify a country is accepted, for example, through the touch panel  50 . The CPU  14  retrieves a regional code  204   a  corresponding to the input country from the regional-code information table  46   a , and registers the retrieved regional code  204   a  as the registered regional code  223   a  on the setting information table  44   a . Additionally, the CPU  14  retrieves a country code  204   a  corresponding to the input country from the country code information table  48   a , and registers the retrieved country code  204   a  as the registered country code  224   a  on the setting information table  44   a.    
         [0070]    In the second embodiment, it is assumed that “United States” is input as a country name. Therefore, the CPU  14  retrieves the regional code  203   a  of “a” (for North and Central America) from the regional-code information table  46   a  (see  FIG. 8 ), and registers the regional code  203   a  of “a” as the registered regional code  223   a  on the setting information table  44   a  (see  FIG. 10 ). In addition, the CPU  14  retrieves the country code  204   a  of “0001” (for the United States) from the country code information table  48   a  (see  FIG. 9 ), and registers the country code  204   a  of “0001” as the registered country code  224   a  on the setting information table  44   a.    
         [0071]    Subsequently, a using-country RSS feed acquiring process will be set forth with reference to  FIG. 13 . In S 49 , the bookmark URL  201   a  is registered on the setting information table  44   a . The bookmark URL  201   a  may be registered as an initial setting at the time of manufacture of the MFP  10 . 
         [0072]    A process of S 51  to S 63  is a loop process executed while the MFP  10  is working. In S 51 , the CPU  14  accesses the bookmark server  90  based on the bookmark URL  201   a , and acquires the bookmark RSS feeds (S 51 ). The CPU  14  runs the feed analyzing program  22  to create the bookmark table  94   a  as shown in  FIG. 11  from the bookmark RSS feeds acquired. 
         [0073]    Then, the CPU  14  proceeds to S 53 , in which the CPU  14  determines whether the content title character strings  140   a  on the bookmark table  94   a  include a regional code identical to the registered regional code  223   a  on the setting information table  44   a  (S 53 ). When determining that the content title character strings  140  on the bookmark table  94   a  do not include a regional code identical to the registered regional code  223   a  on the setting information table  44   a  (S 53 : No), the CPU  14  goes to S 55 . In S 55 , the CPU  14  registers an RSS feed URL  202   a  for a default country as the registered RSS feed URL  222   a  on the setting information table  44   a . The default country may be arbitrarily selected and previously registered as an initial setting at the time of manufacture of the MFP  10 . Thereafter, the CPU  14  goes to S 63 . Meanwhile, when determining that the content title character strings  140  on the bookmark table  94   a  include a regional code identical to the registered regional code  223   a  on the setting information table  44   a  (S 53 : Yes), the CPU  14  goes to S 57 . 
         [0074]    In S 57 , the CPU  14  determines whether the content title character strings  140   a  on the bookmark table  94   a  include a country code identical to the registered country code  224   a  on the setting information table  44   a  (S 57 ). When determining that the content title character strings  140   a  on the bookmark table  94   a  do not include a country code identical to the registered country code  224   a  on the setting information table  44   a  (S 57 : No), the CPU  14  goes to S 59 . In S 59 , the CPU  14  determines that the CPU  14  has specified a regional name of the using country based on the regional code but not yet a country name of the using country based on the country code. Then, the CPU  14  registers an RSS feed URL  202   a  for accessing a using-region RSS feed regarding the specified region, as the registered RSS feed URL  222   a  on the setting information table  44   a . Thereafter, the CPU  14  goes to S 63 . Meanwhile, when determining that the content title character strings  140   a  on the bookmark table  94   a  include a country code identical to the registered country code  224   a  on the setting information table  44   a  (S 57 : Yes), the CPU  14  goes to S 61 . 
         [0075]    In S 61 , the CPU  14  determines that the CPU  14  has exactly specified the using country based on both the regional name and the country name. Then, the CPU  14  registers an RSS feed URL  202   a  for accessing a using-country RSS feed regarding the using country, as the registered RSS feed URL  222   a  on the setting information table  44   a  (S 61 ). Thereafter, the CPU  14  goes to S 63 . 
         [0076]    In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the using country where the MFP  10  is used is the United States. Therefore, the RSS feed URL  202  “http://rss.brother.com,” which corresponds to the data number  210   a  of “1” on the bookmark table  94   a  (see  FIG. 11 ), is stored as the registered RSS feed URL  222   a  on the setting information table  44   a  (see  FIG. 10 ). 
         [0077]    In S 63 , the CPU  14  accesses a content providing server  91  based on the registered RSS feed URL  222   a  stored on the setting information table  44   a , and acquires from the content providing server  91  an intended using-country RSS feed or an intended using-region RSS feed (S 63 ). 
         [0078]    In the second embodiment, the CPU  14  accesses a content providing server  91  based on the registered RSS feed URL  222   a  “http://rss.brother.com,” and acquires the using-country RSS feed corresponding to the United States. Then, the CPU  14  creates contents regarding usage of the MFP  10  in the United States (e.g., update information and contact information about sales subsidiaries in the United States), and displays the created contents on the touch panel  50 . 
         [0079]    Thus, the MFP  10  of the second embodiment can provide the following effects. By storing only the bookmark URL  201   a  on the setting information table  44   a , the MFP  10  can acquire an RSS feed URL  202   a  corresponding to a specified regional code  203   a  and a specified country code  204   a . Thereby, even when the MFP  10  is required to select an RSS feed URL  202   a  corresponding to a using country from the RSS feed URLs  202   a  that are respectively prepared for a number of countries and access the selected URL  202   a , the MFP  10  needs not store all kinds of RSS feed URLs  202   a  on the storage thereof. Thus, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity of the MFP  10 . 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0080]    In a third embodiment, the MFP  10 , which is configured such that device specifications thereof can be changed, acquires an RSS feed URL corresponding to a specification change from the bookmark server  90 . As an example of specification changes, cited is a change to upgrade a specification of the MFP  10  by adding a scanner unit or a sheet feeder unit. 
         [0081]    In the third embodiment, the NVRAM  40  is provided with a setting information table  44   b . The setting information table  44   b  stores setting items such as a registered specification code  223   b , a bookmark URL  201   b , and a registered RSS feed URL  222   b . As the registered specification code  223   b , stored is a specification code  203   b  that represents an updated specification of the MFP  10 . At the time of shipment of the MFP  10 , a specification code  203   b  corresponding to an initial configuration of the MFP  10  is registered as the registered specification code  223   b.    
         [0082]    Each of the content providing servers  91  stores device specification RSS feeds. Each of the device specification RSS feeds is created for a corresponding one of the device specifications, and includes various kinds of information such as update information. 
         [0083]    The bookmark server  90  stores bookmark RSS feeds. The MFP  10  creates a bookmark table  94   b  based on the bookmark RSS feeds. On the bookmark table  94   b , a content title character string  140   b  and an RSS feed URL  202   b  are registered for each of the device specifications. It is noted that the bookmark table  94   b  is configured in a similar manner to the bookmark table  94   a  in the second embodiment. Therefore, a detailed explanation about the bookmark table  94   b  will be omitted here. 
         [0084]    Operations of the MFP  10  in the third embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 . The following description will be provided under an assumption that the MFP  10  is upgraded with a scanner unit added thereto. A device specification setting process will be set forth referring to  FIG. 14 . 
         [0085]    In S 71 , the CPU  14  determines whether an operation is provided for starting a device specification setting process (S 71 ). The device specification setting process is launched, for example, in response to a user operation on the touch panel  50 . When determining that an operation for starting a device specification setting process is not provided (S 71 : No), the CPU  14  goes back to S 71  and continuously monitors whether an operation for starting a device specification setting process is provided. Meanwhile, when determining that an operation for starting a device specification setting process is provided (S 71 : Yes), the CPU  14  proceeds to S 73 . 
         [0086]    In the device specification setting process of S 73 , the CPU  14  accepts a user&#39;s input to specify an updated specification. The CPU  14  registers a specification code  203   b  corresponding to the specified specification as the registered specification code  223   b  on the setting information table  44   b.    
         [0087]    It is noted that the CPU  14  may launch the device specification setting process automatically in response to detecting connection between a device (e.g., a scanner unit) and the MFP  10 . Further, the CPU  14  may automatically detect a type of the device connected to the MFP  10 , identify the updated specification and a corresponding specification code  203   b , and register the identified specification code  203   b  as the registered specification code  223   b  on the setting information table  44   b.    
         [0088]    Next, referring to  FIG. 15 , an explanation will be provided about a specification RSS feed acquiring process. In S 79 , the bookmark URL  201   b  is registered on the setting information table  44   b  (S 79 ). The bookmark URL  201   b  may be registered as an initial setting at the time of manufacture of the MFP  10 . 
         [0089]    A process of S 81  to S 93  is a loop process executed while the MFP  10  is working. In S 81 , the CPU  14  accesses the bookmark server  90  based on the bookmark URL  201   b , and acquires the bookmark RSS feeds (S 81 ). The CPU  14  runs the feed analyzing program  22  to create the bookmark table  94   b  from the bookmark RSS feeds acquired. 
         [0090]    Then, the CPU  14  proceeds to S 83 , in which the CPU  14  determines whether the content title character strings  140   b  on the bookmark table  94   b  include a specification code identical to the registered specification code  223   b  on the setting information table  44   b  (S 83 ). When determining that the content title character strings  140   b  on the bookmark table  94   b  do not include a specification code identical to the registered specification code  223   b  on the setting information table  44   b  (S 83 : No), the CPU  14  goes to S 85 . In S 85 , the CPU  14  registers an RSS feed URL  202   b  for a default specification as the registered RSS feed URL  222   b  on the setting information table  44   b . Thereafter, the CPU  14  goes to S 93 . Meanwhile, when determining that the content title character strings  140   b  on the bookmark table  94   b  include a specification code identical to the registered specification code  223   b  on the setting information table  44   b  (S 83 : Yes), the CPU  14  goes to S 91 . 
         [0091]    In S 91 , the CPU  14  determines that the CPU  14  has exactly identified the updated specification based on the specification code. Then, the CPU  14  registers an RSS feed URL  202   b  for accessing a specification RSS feed regarding the identified specification, as the registered RSS feed URL  222   b  on the setting information table  44   b  (S 91 ). Thereafter, the CPU  14  goes to S 93 . 
         [0092]    In the third embodiment, an RSS feed URL  202   b , corresponding to the updated specification concerning the scanner unit added, is retrieved from the bookmark table  94   b  and stored as the registered RSS feed URL  222   b  on the setting information table  44   b.    
         [0093]    In S 93 , the CPU  14  accesses a content providing server  91  based on the registered RSS feed URL  222   b  stored on the setting information table  44   b , and acquires an intended device specification RSS feed concerning the updated specification. Then, the CPU  14  creates contents (such as update information) regarding the updated specification, and displays the created contents on the touch panel  50 . 
         [0094]    Thus, the MFP  10  of the third embodiment needs not store on the storage thereof the RSS feed URL  202   b  for each of the device specifications. Hence, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity of the MFP  10 . 
         [0095]    Hereinabove, the embodiments according to aspects of the present invention have been described. The present invention can be practiced by employing conventional materials, methodology and equipment. Accordingly, the details of such materials, equipment and methodology are not set forth herein in detail. In the previous descriptions, numerous specific details are set forth, such as specific materials, structures, chemicals, processes, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it should be recognized that the present invention can be practiced without reapportioning to the details specifically set forth. In other instances, well known processing structures have not been described in detail, in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
         [0096]    Only exemplary embodiments of the present invention and but a few examples of their versatility are shown and described in the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the present invention is capable of use in various other combinations and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein. For example, the following modifications are possible. 
         [0097]    In the aforementioned first embodiment, the association information (the error groups  203  and the error codes  204 ), which represents the association between each error and a corresponding error RSS feed, is contained in the content title character strings  140 . However, the association information may not necessarily be contained in the content title character strings  140 , and may be contained in any form within the bookmark RSS feeds. 
         [0098]    Further, the setting information table  44  may have a plurality of registered error groups  223  and a plurality of registered error codes  224  stored thereon. Thereby, even when a plurality of errors occur simultaneously, it is possible to acquire an error information RSS feed for each of the plurality of errors. 
         [0099]    Furthermore, although the bookmark server  90  is provided separately from the content providing servers  91  in the first embodiment, the bookmark server  90  may be included in the content providing servers  91 .

Technology Category: g