JPH10190685A - Information communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To ensure that rights under a license agreement can be maintained. SOLUTION: A LAN interface unit 11 is connected to a LAN 14 that connects a plurality of terminals, receives an access from each terminal through the LAN 14, and inputs job information, and a CPU 1 is connected to the LAN interface unit 11. The MAC address is obtained from the obtained job information, and if the MAC address is a previously obtained MAC address,
Increment the total number of users by one, compare the total number of users with the maximum number of users set by the license agreement,
If the total number of users exceeds the maximum number of users, the processing is completely stopped. On the other hand, if the total number of users does not exceed the maximum number of users, the operation is performed according to the job information as a regular job instruction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an information communication apparatus, and more particularly, to a LAN to which a plurality of terminals are connected.
The present invention relates to an information communication device that is connected to a computer network such as a local area network (Local Area Network) and controls the facsimile communication requested by another terminal via the computer network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a network system such as a facsimile using a LAN, a plurality of terminals access an information communication apparatus for controlling facsimile communication.

In the above-described information communication apparatus, access from another terminal can be permitted when a certain condition is satisfied. In order to determine whether or not this access is possible, there is a method of collating a password or a user ID (IDentification) input at the terminal prior to login.

As described above, as an approximation technique for judging whether access is possible or not by ID collation, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-324
959 publication. According to this publication, a user ID input on a client side is transmitted to a server via a network, and the server side determines whether the user ID can be registered through communication with a facsimile apparatus connected to the server, and registers the user ID. In this case, a technique for permitting a client to access a facsimile machine is disclosed.

[0005]

As described above, in the conventional information communication apparatus, since the user is specified by the path and the ID, the security of the network system is effectively maintained. Since there is no limit on the number of registered IDs, it has been difficult to reliably maintain the rights in the license agreement with respect to the number of registrations contracted when constructing the system.

[0006] In general, the above license rights are maintained by making full use of application software duplication prevention technology, but it is relatively easy to perform reverse engineering or modification on application software. Was. For this reason, if operations such as decoding of a special format on a program and falsification of a serial number in manufacturing are added to the application software, the maintenance function of the license right obtained by the above-described duplication prevention technology is impaired. There was a fear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an information communication apparatus capable of reliably maintaining the rights under a license agreement in order to solve the above-described problems of the conventional example.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems The above-mentioned problems are solved,
In order to achieve the object, an information communication device according to the present invention includes:
Interface means connected to at least one transmission path connecting one or a plurality of terminals and receiving access from each terminal through the transmission path, determination means for determining an access status to the interface means, and determination means And an access control means for controlling so as to deny at least an external access to the interface means when the access situation determined by (1) does not satisfy the predetermined access condition.

Therefore, if there is an access that cannot satisfy the predetermined access condition, the subsequent access is rejected. If the predetermined access condition is defined as a right in a license agreement, the access condition cannot be satisfied. Since the contract is violated and the subsequent use is rejected, it is possible to reliably maintain the rights under the license agreement.

[0010] An information communication apparatus according to the next invention is connected to at least one transmission path connecting one or a plurality of terminals, and accepts access from each terminal through this transmission path to instruct a job. Input means for inputting job information of the user, user analysis means for analyzing user information indicating a job based on the job information input by the input means, and a job corresponding to the user information analyzed by the user analysis means. Registration means for registering after execution, and judgment means for judging whether or not the total number of users registered in the registration means in this registration exceeds a predetermined maximum number of users before user information is registered by the registration means When,
If the determination result indicates that the value exceeds the limit, at least external access to the input means is denied. On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that the value does not exceed the value, the input is performed by the input means. Access control means for controlling execution of a job based on job information.

Therefore, before registering the user information, it is determined whether or not the total number of users exceeds a predetermined maximum number of users in the current registration. If access is denied, and if the result is not exceeded, control is performed to execute the job based on the input job information, so the maximum number of users can be specified as a license agreement right. For example, if the access exceeds the maximum number of users, the contract is violated and the subsequent use is rejected, so that the rights in the license agreement can be reliably maintained.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information communication apparatus comprising: a maximum number of users storage means for storing and maintaining a maximum number of users in a non-rewritable state; and at least one transmission line connecting one or more terminals. Input means for connecting and inputting job information for instructing a job by receiving access from each terminal through the transmission path, and analyzing user information for instructing the job based on the job information input by the input means A user analyzing means, a registering means for registering the user information analyzed by the user analyzing means after execution of the corresponding job, and a registration means for registering the user information in the current registration before registering the user information by the registering means. Judgment means for judging whether the number of users exceeds the maximum number of users stored and held in the maximum user number storage and holding means, If the result is obtained determination that denies access from the outside to at least the input means,
On the other hand, an access control means for controlling execution of a job based on the job information input by the input means when the determination result that the determination means does not exceed is obtained.

Therefore, before registering the user information, it is determined whether or not the total number of users exceeds the maximum number of users stored and held in a non-rewritable state in this registration, and a result of the determination is obtained. In this case, at least the external access is denied, while if the result is not exceeded, the job is controlled to execute the job based on the input job information. If the maximum number of users is specified, the license will be breached if the access exceeds the maximum number of users and the subsequent use will be refused, and since the tampering or rewriting of the maximum number of users by a third party can be prevented, the license is granted. It is possible to reliably maintain contractual rights.

An information communication apparatus according to the next invention is characterized in that a maximum number of users storage means for storing and holding a maximum number of users;
Or input means for connecting to at least one transmission path connecting a plurality of terminals, accepting access from each of the terminals through this transmission path, and inputting job information for instructing a job, and input means. User analyzing means for analyzing user information instructing a job based on input job information; registering means for registering user information analyzed by the user analyzing means after execution of a corresponding job; and user information by the registering means Before performing the registration, the determination unit determines whether or not the total number of users registered in the registration unit in this registration exceeds the maximum number of users stored and held in the maximum number of users storage unit. If the judgment result is obtained, at least external access to the input means is denied. Access control means for controlling execution of a job based on the job information input by the input means when a judgment result is obtained, and a maximum user memory in response to a request from a terminal satisfying a predetermined condition through a transmission path. Changing means for arbitrarily changing the maximum number of users stored in the holding means.

Therefore, before registering the user information, it is determined whether or not the total number of users exceeds the maximum number of users in the current registration. Refuse, on the other hand, if the judgment result is not exceeded, control to execute the job based on the input job information, and the maximum number of users is optional according to the request from the terminal that satisfies the predetermined condition If the maximum number of users is stipulated as a license agreement right, any access exceeding the maximum number of users will be a breach of the contract and will be refused from further use. Falsification or rewriting of the maximum number of users due to the above, and the maximum number of users can be appropriately changed according to the rights in the license agreement by a specific person equivalent to the licensee. It is possible to reliably maintain about on the right.

The information communication apparatus according to the next invention comprises a maximum user number storage and holding means for storing and holding the maximum number of users;
Or input means for connecting to at least one transmission path connecting a plurality of terminals, accepting access from each of the terminals through this transmission path, and inputting job information for instructing a job, and input means. User analyzing means for analyzing user information instructing a job based on input job information; registering means for registering user information analyzed by the user analyzing means after execution of a corresponding job; and user information by the registering means Before performing the registration, the determination unit determines whether or not the total number of users registered in the registration unit in this registration exceeds the maximum number of users stored and held in the maximum number of users storage unit. If the judgment result is obtained, at least external access to the input means is denied. Access control means for controlling the execution of a job based on the job information input by the input means when the determination result is obtained, and a predetermined condition through the transmission path only when the access control means denies the access. Changing means for arbitrarily changing the maximum number of users stored in the maximum user storage means in response to a request from a terminal satisfying the condition.

Therefore, before registering the user information, it is determined whether or not the total number of users exceeds the maximum number of users in the current registration. In the case of a rejection, on the other hand, if a determination result that the value does not exceed is obtained, control is performed to execute a job based on the input job information. Since it is arbitrarily changed according to the request from the terminal that satisfies it, if the maximum number of users is specified as a right in the license agreement, any access exceeding the maximum number of users will be a breach of the contract and the subsequent use will be refused. And the falsification and rewriting of the maximum number of users by a third party can be prevented,
In addition, since the maximum number of users can be changed in response to the access denial by the specific person equivalent to the license holder in accordance with the rights in the license agreement, the rights in the license agreement can be reliably maintained.

[0018] In the information communication apparatus according to the next invention, the changing means collates the ID information sent from the terminal satisfying the predetermined condition with the pre-registered ID information, and only when the coincidence is obtained. Since the maximum number of users is changed, security is ensured, and thereby the rights in the license agreement can be surely protected.

[0019] In the information communication apparatus according to the next invention, the ID information is encrypted information, and the changing means decodes the ID information sent from the terminal satisfying the predetermined condition, and then executes the collation. As a result, the security is improved, and thereby the rights in the license agreement can be reliably protected.

In the information communication apparatus according to the next invention, the access control means disables execution of all the jobs prepared in advance when external access is denied. The execution of the subsequent job is stopped at the time when the error occurs, whereby the rights in the license agreement can be surely protected.

[0021] In the information communication apparatus according to the next invention, when the access control means rejects access from the outside, only execution of a job corresponding to the user information of the terminal which has accessed this time is prohibited in the future. Therefore, it is possible to exclude a job instruction of an unauthorized user and permit normal access only to a legitimate user, thereby securely protecting rights in a license agreement. is there.

In the information communication apparatus according to the next invention, the access control means notifies the predetermined terminal via the transmission path of the access denied state when the external access is denied. By making the specific person who uses the licensee the licensee, the licensee can immediately confirm the violation when the license agreement is violated, thereby ensuring the rights under the license agreement It is possible to protect.

[0023] In the information communication apparatus according to the next invention, when the access control means rejects external access,
Since the terminal that accessed this time was instructed to uninstall the application that controls the access operation, the terminal that executed the uninstallation process could not access any further, and even once it had been accessed illegally. Since there is no access from the terminal, the rights under the license agreement can be reliably protected.

The information communication apparatus according to the next invention is provided with a facsimile communication function and stops an external facsimile reception operation via a transmission line during an access rejection period by the access control means. The facsimile function can be stopped, so that the rights under the license agreement can be reliably protected.

In the information communication apparatus according to the next invention, since the transmission path is a LAN, it is possible to refuse access from a corresponding terminal in violation of a license agreement on a computer network. Rights under the license agreement can be reliably protected.

In the information communication apparatus according to the next invention, since the user information is a MAC address, it is information unique to the data link layer of the LAN, so that unauthorized use by the same user can be excluded from the network. Thus, it is possible to reliably protect the rights under the license agreement.

In the information communication apparatus according to the next invention, since the user information is an IP address, since the information is unique to the network layer of the LAN, unauthorized use by the same user can be excluded from the network. As a result, it is possible to reliably protect the rights under the license agreement.

In the information communication apparatus according to the next invention, since the user information is account information, since the information is unique to the LAN, unauthorized use by the same user can be excluded from the network. It is possible to reliably protect the rights under the license agreement.

In the information communication apparatus according to the next invention, the input means includes means for inputting job information by key, so that a job instruction from the apparatus can be licensed in the same manner as access using a transmission path. Contractual rights can be reliably protected.

An information communication apparatus according to the next invention includes facsimile communication in a job type, and when a job specified by job information is facsimile communication, image data of a document image read by a reading unit or transmission Since the image data received via the transmission path is output online via the transmission path, the rights in the license agreement can be reliably protected also in this case.

The information communication apparatus according to the next invention includes facsimile communication in the type of job and, when the job specified by the job information is facsimile communication, transmits image data received via the transmission path to the transmission path. In this case, the rights in the license agreement can be reliably protected in this case as well.

In the information communication apparatus according to the next invention, a plurality of transmission paths are prepared, and if the job specified by the job information is data transfer, the data transfer is performed according to the user information. In this case, one of the transmission lines to be used is selected from a plurality of transmission lines, so that an appropriate transmission line can be selected depending on the user information, thereby securely protecting the rights in the license agreement. Is possible.

[0033]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1) First, Embodiment 1 of the information communication apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The information communication device shown in FIG.
Reading unit 2, recording unit 3, encoding / decoding unit 4, key operation unit 5,
Display unit 6, ROM 7, RAM 8, modem 9, network control unit 1
0, a facsimile machine including units such as a LAN interface unit 11. A telephone line 13 is connected to the network control unit 10, and a LAN interface unit 11
Is connected to the LAN 14.

The CPU 1 controls each unit connected to the internal bus 12 to perform operations such as facsimile communication with the LAN 14 in accordance with various programs stored in the ROM 7, which will be described later, and performs various operations in accordance with job instructions arriving through the LAN 14. Control. The above-described job is intended for processing executed according to a control program of the OS unit 71A and the AP unit 72 of the ROM 7, which will be described later.
It mainly relates to a facsimile function in a computer network system.

The reading unit 2 operates according to the facsimile function.
It is an input device such as a scanner that optically reads an object to be read such as a transmission original by an image sensor such as a CCD and takes in image data. The reading operation of the reading unit 2 is executed in response to an operation of the key operation unit 5 (including facsimile transmission) and is executed as a job in response to a remote operation from another terminal via the LAN 14.

The recording unit 3 operates according to a facsimile function.
An output device such as a printer that records an image based on image data on a recording target such as recording paper. The recording operation of the recording unit 3 is executed in response to an operation of the key operation unit 5 or facsimile reception received via the telephone line 13 and a job in response to a remote operation from another terminal via the LAN 14. Is executed as

The encoding / decoding unit 4 encodes image data to be transmitted according to a facsimile function to obtain transmission data (encoded data), and converts received data (encoded data) into original image data as a facsimile function. Decrypt. The image data to be transmitted is image data obtained by the reading unit 2, image data input from another terminal via the LAN 14, and the like. The information transmitted during transmission / reception includes a MAC (Media A) described later.
access control), job information, control information on a communication protocol, image data, and the like.

The key operation section 5 has keys for operating various operations including facsimile communication by the apparatus alone, and transmits a key signal detected in accordance with the operation of each key to a CP.
Supply to U1. The display unit 6 displays an operation menu of the device, L
The job execution status based on an instruction requested from the AN 14 is displayed.

The ROM 7 stores an OS (Operating).
System) 71A and AP (Applicatio)
n Program section 72. OS part 7
Reference numeral 1 denotes a network OS program for controlling communication with the telephone line 13 and the LAN 14. The AP unit 72 includes a control program for operating each unit in the apparatus. The RAM 8 has a job information memory 81, a MAC address memory 82, and a total number of users memory 83, in addition to a work area used by the CPU 1 and a data buffer for storing transmission data and reception data during transmission and reception. I have.

The job information memory 81 is connected to the LAN 14 via the key operation unit 5 or the LAN interface unit 11.
Stores job information to be executed, which is instructed. The job information stored in the job information memory 81 is accessed by the CPU 1 when executing a job. Also,
The MAC address memory 82 is a memory for registering a MAC address for specifying a job supporter.
The MAC address memory 82 is accessed by the CPU 1 when a job is instructed via the LAN 14 and determines whether or not the MAC address is the same as the MAC address sent from the user who instructs the job, ie, the job instructor. Used to confirm.

The above-mentioned MAC address is the OSI (Open
n Systems Interconnection
n) Information that specifies a physical destination (transmission destination) in the data link layer (second layer) of the reference model. This MA
The C address is used as an Ethernet header when Ethernet is applied to a computer network.

The total user number memory 83 is a memory for storing the total number of MAC addresses (the total number of users) registered in the MAC address memory 82. The total number of users stored in the total user number memory
Is incremented by one each time the MAC address of the job instructor sent through the MAC address is registered in the MAC address memory 82.

The modem 9 modulates transmission data (encoded data) to be transmitted to the telephone line 13 and supplies the modulated data to the network control unit 10.
And demodulates received data (modulated data) received via the. The network control unit 10 is connected to the telephone line 13 and controls communication with the telephone network. LAN interface unit 11
Are connected to each unit connected to the internal bus 12 and the LAN 14
And controls the interface between each unit and the LAN 14. LAN interface unit 11
Has functions such as a physical interface of the LAN 14, a protocol stack, and a file transfer.
The internal bus 12 transmits address signals, data, and control signals between the coupled units.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the first embodiment. The overall operation described below is based on the CP
Although controlled by U1, individual operations are performed in each unit.

The processing described below is executed when the total number of users obtained by adding the MAC address of the new job instructor exceeds the maximum number of users (fixed) in the license agreement. This figure shows control for completely stopping the operation (facsimile operation) of the apparatus. That is, if the maximum number of users permitted to perform job instructions from the LAN 14 is three in accordance with the license agreement, when the fourth user accesses the job instructions via the LAN 14, all processing of the apparatus is performed. Is stopped.

More specifically, first, in step S101, the LAN interface 1
When information indicating a job, i.e., job information, is received, the MAC address identifying the job instructor is decoded based on the job information. Note that the received job information is stored in the job information memory 81 of the RAM 8.

In the following step S102, step S1
It is determined whether or not the MAC address obtained in step 01 is included in the previously obtained MAC address. That is, it is searched from the MAC addresses already registered in the MAC address memory 82 of the RAM 8 whether or not the same MAC address as the MAC address acquired this time exists.

As a result of the search, the MAC address memory 8
If it is determined that the same MAC address exists in the job 2 (step S103), the access is not from a new job instructor, but an access within a license agreement.
This processing ends, but if it is determined that the access does not exist (step S103), the access is from a new job instructor, and the processing is performed in steps S104 to S104 in order to determine whether the access is within the license agreement. The process proceeds to S107.

First, in step S104, the RAM
The total number of users stored in the total user number memory 83 is incremented by one. In the following step S105, it is determined whether or not the total number of users updated in step S104 is larger than, for example, the maximum number of users set on the program.

In step S105, if a determination result indicating that the number has increased is obtained, it means that the number of accesses to the job has exceeded the maximum number of users in the license agreement. Since this violates the license agreement, the process proceeds to step S106 in order to prevent the occurrence of illegal copying of the application.

In step S106, the processing of the present apparatus is completely stopped by the infinite loop processing, and the present apparatus is in a practically stopped state. The release of this infinite loop is
It is carried out by a specific service company or the right holder of the license agreement.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the job has not become large, the number of accesses to the job is within the range of the maximum number of users in the license agreement, that is, the rights are exercised in the license agreement. Step S
Move to 107.

In step S107, step S101
Is stored in the MAC address memory 82. Thereafter, this processing ends.

The above-described job information can be input not only from the network via the LAN 14 but also directly from the key operation unit 5 by this apparatus alone. This job information input processing is performed in step S101 described above.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, if there is an access that cannot satisfy the predetermined access condition, the subsequent access is rejected. If the access condition is not satisfied, the contract is violated and the subsequent use is rejected, so that the rights in the license agreement can be reliably maintained.

Before registering user information, it is determined whether or not the total number of users exceeds a predetermined maximum number of users in the current registration. Deny access from
If it is determined that the number of users does not exceed the maximum number of users, if the maximum number of users is stipulated as a license agreement right, the access will exceed the maximum number of users. If there is, the contract is violated and subsequent use is rejected, so that the rights under the license agreement can be reliably maintained.

In the case where access from the outside is denied, the execution of all the prepared jobs is disabled in the future, so that the execution of the subsequent jobs is stopped when the license agreement is violated. As a result, it is possible to reliably protect the rights under the license agreement.

Further, since the transmission path is the LAN 14, it is possible to deny access from the corresponding terminal in violation of the license agreement on the computer network, thereby ensuring the rights in the license agreement by using the LAN. It is possible to protect.

Further, since the user information is a MAC address, since the information is unique in the data link layer of the LAN 14, unauthorized use by the same user can be excluded from the network. Rights can be reliably protected.

Since the job information can also be input from the key operation unit 5, it is possible to surely protect the rights in the license agreement for the job instruction from the device as well as the access using the transmission path. It is.

(Embodiment 2) The information communication apparatus according to Embodiment 1 has a configuration in which the maximum number of users is stored on a program as an example. As described above, the maximum number of users may be protected.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Since the second embodiment employs the same configuration as the entire configuration according to the first embodiment, units having the same configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The maximum number of users is stored in advance in the maximum user number memory 73 of the ROM 7, and this part is different from the configuration of the first embodiment. Further, regarding job control, since the network OS program including the application level is different, the OS unit 71B is set in the ROM 7.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the second embodiment. The overall operation described below is based on the CP
Although controlled by U1, individual operations are performed in each unit.

Steps S201 to S20 in FIG.
The processes up to 4 correspond to steps S101 to S104 according to the first embodiment described above. That is, in step S201, the MAC information is obtained from the job information received from the key operation unit 5 or through the LAN 14.
The address is obtained. In a succeeding step S202, it is determined whether or not the MAC address obtained in the step S101 is included in the previously obtained MAC addresses.

As a result of the search, the MAC address memory 8
If it is determined that the same MAC address exists in the job 2 (step S203), the access is not based on the new job instructor but on the access within the license agreement.
This processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the access does not exist (step S203), the access is from a new job instructor. The total number of users stored in the user number memory 83 is incremented by one.

In the second embodiment, the maximum number of users is read from the maximum user number memory 73 of the ROM 7 (step S205), and in the subsequent step S206, the total number of users updated in step S204 and the maximum number of users are updated in step S205. The magnitude relationship with the read maximum number of users is compared.

If it is determined in step S206 that the total number of users is larger, the number of accesses to the job has exceeded the maximum number of users in the license agreement. Since this violates the license agreement, the process proceeds to step S207 to prevent the occurrence of illegal copying of the application.

Step S207 is the same as step S10 described above.
In this step S207, the processing of the present apparatus is completely stopped by the infinite loop processing, and the present apparatus is in a practically stopped state. The cancellation of the full suspension of this processing is performed by a specific service company or the right holder of the license agreement.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S206 that the total number of users has not reached the maximum number of users, the number of access to the job is within the range of the maximum number of users in the license agreement, that is, in the license agreement. Exercised,
The process moves to step S208. Step S208
Then, a process of storing the new MAC address acquired in step S201 in the MAC address memory 82 is executed. Thereafter, this processing ends.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, before registering user information, it is determined whether the total number of users exceeds the maximum number of users stored and held in a non-rewritable state in this registration. In the case where the result of the judgment is exceeded, at least the access from outside is rejected, and in the case where the result of the judgment is not exceeded, the job based on the input job information is executed. If the maximum number of users is stipulated as a license agreement right, access beyond the maximum number of users will be a breach of the contract and subsequent use will be rejected. Tampering or rewriting of the number of users can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to reliably maintain the rights under the license agreement.

(Embodiment 3) In Embodiment 2 described above, all processes are stopped when there is access to a job exceeding the maximum number of users in the license agreement. As in the third embodiment, instead of stopping the entire process, only the job receiving operation for the facsimile function may be stopped.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Since the third embodiment employs the same configuration as the entire configuration according to the second embodiment, units having the same configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the third embodiment, job control
Since the network OS program including the application level is different, as shown in FIG.
7, an OS unit 71C is set.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the third embodiment. The overall operation described below is based on the CP
Although controlled by U1, individual operations are performed in each unit.

Steps S301 to S30 in FIG.
The processes up to 6 correspond to steps S201 to S206 according to the second embodiment described above. That is, in step S301, the MAC information is obtained from the job information received from the key operation unit 5 or through the LAN 14.
The address is obtained. In a succeeding step S302, it is determined whether or not the MAC address obtained in the step S301 is included in the previously obtained MAC addresses.

As a result of the search, the MAC address memory 8
If it is determined that the same MAC address exists in the job 2 (step S303), the access is not based on a new job instructor, but on an access within a license agreement.
This processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the access does not exist (step S303), the access is from a new job instructor. The total number of users stored in the user number memory 83 is incremented by one.

Further, in step S305, the maximum number of users is read from the maximum user number memory 73 of the ROM 7, and in the following step S306, step S3 is executed.
The magnitude relation between the total number of users updated in step S04 and the maximum number of users read in step S305 is compared.

If the result in step S306 is that the total number of users is larger, it means that the number of accesses to the job has exceeded the maximum number of users in the license agreement. Since this violates the license agreement, the process proceeds to step S307 to prevent the occurrence of illegal copying of the application.

In step S307, unlike the second embodiment, a condition for rejecting the acceptance of the job, including the current time, is set in the LAN interface unit 11. For this reason, even if there is an access from the job instructor registered in the MAC address memory 82 through the LAN 14, the job acceptance is rejected. Step S3
After 07, the process ends.

The cancellation of the job acceptance is carried out by a specific service company or the right holder of the license agreement.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S306 that the total number of users has not reached the maximum number of users, the number of accesses to the job is within the range of the maximum number of users in the license agreement, that is, the number of users in the license agreement. Exercised,
The process proceeds to step S308. Step S308
Then, a process of storing the new MAC address acquired in step S301 in the MAC address memory 82 is executed. Thereafter, this processing ends.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.
The access from the terminal can be denied in the interface unit 11.

(Embodiment 4) In Embodiment 2 described above, all processes are stopped when there is access to a job exceeding the maximum number of users in the license agreement. As in the fourth embodiment, the job reception of the job instructor who has accessed this time may be refused in the future instead of stopping the job entirely.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration according to a fourth embodiment of the information communication apparatus according to the present invention. Since the fourth embodiment employs the same configuration as the entire configuration according to the second embodiment, units having the same configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, job control
Since the network OS program including the application level is different, as shown in FIG.
7, an OS unit 71D is set.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the fourth embodiment. The overall operation described below is based on the CP
Although controlled by U1, individual operations are performed in each unit.

Steps S401 to S40 in FIG.
The processes up to 6 correspond to steps S201 to S206 according to the second embodiment described above. That is, in step S401, the MAC information is obtained from the job information received from the key operation unit 5 or through the LAN 14.
The address is obtained. In a succeeding step S402, it is determined whether or not the MAC address obtained in the step S401 is included in the previously obtained MAC address.

As a result of the search, the MAC address memory 8
If it is determined that the same MAC address exists in the job 2 (step S403), the access is not from a new job instructor, but an access within a license agreement.
This processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the access does not exist (step S 403), the access is from a new job instructor. The total number of users stored in the user number memory 83 is incremented by one.

Further, in step S405, the maximum number of users is read from the maximum user number memory 73 of the ROM 7, and in step S406, step S4 is executed.
The magnitude relation between the total number of users updated in step S04 and the maximum number of users read in step S405 is compared.
If it is determined in step S406 that the total number of users is larger, it means that the number of accesses to the job has exceeded the maximum number of users in the license agreement. Since this violates the license agreement, the process is performed in step S40 to prevent the occurrence of illegal copying of the application.
Move to 7.

In step S 407, unlike the second embodiment, a setting is made for the LAN interface unit 11 to reject only the current access of the job instructor in the future. In this case, the job instructor registered in the MAC address memory 82 next sends the LAN1
If access is made through step 4, the job is accepted. After step S407, the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S406 that the total number of users has not reached the maximum number of users, the number of access to the job is within the range of the maximum number of users in the license agreement, that is, in the license agreement. Exercised,
The process moves to step S408. Step S408
Then, a process of storing the new MAC address acquired in step S401 in the MAC address memory 82 is executed. Thereafter, this processing ends.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when external access is denied, only execution of a job corresponding to the user information of the currently accessed terminal is prohibited in the future. It is possible to exclude a job instruction of a user who accesses illegally and to permit normal access only to a regular user, thereby securely protecting rights in a license agreement. .

(Embodiment 5) In Embodiment 2 described above, all processes are stopped when a job exceeding the maximum number of users in the license agreement is accessed. As in the fifth embodiment, an uninstall (erase) process may be executed for an application of another terminal that instructs a job, instead of performing a complete stop.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration according to a fifth embodiment of the information communication apparatus according to the present invention. Since the fifth embodiment employs the same configuration as the entire configuration according to the second embodiment, units having the same configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the fifth embodiment, job control
Since the network OS program including the application level is different, as shown in FIG.
7, an OS unit 71E is set.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the fifth embodiment. The overall operation described below is C
Although controlled by the PU1, individual operations are performed in each unit.

Steps S501 to S5 in FIG.
Processes up to 06 correspond to steps S201 to S206 according to the second embodiment described above. That is, in step S501, the MAC information is obtained from the job information received from the key operation unit 5 or through the LAN 14.
The address is obtained. In the following step S502, it is determined whether or not the MAC address obtained in step S501 is included in the previously obtained MAC address.

As a result of the search, the MAC address memory 8
If it is determined that the same MAC address exists in the job information 2 (step S503), the access is not based on a new job instructor but on an access within a license agreement.
This processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the access does not exist (step S503), the access is from a new job instructor. The total number of users stored in the user number memory 83 is incremented by one.

Further, in step S505, the maximum number of users is read from the maximum user number memory 73 of the ROM 7, and in the following step S506, the maximum number of users is read in step S5.
The magnitude relation between the total number of users updated in step S04 and the maximum number of users read in step S505 is compared.
If it is determined in step S506 that the total number of users is larger, the number of accesses to the job has exceeded the maximum number of users in the license agreement. Since this violates the license agreement, the process is performed in step S50 to prevent the occurrence of illegal copying of the application.
Move to 7.

In step S507, unlike the second embodiment, the application for sending the job instruction to the job instructor (user) who designates the job by this access is uninstalled (erased) by itself. So that the uninstallation process is LAN1
Directed through 4.

In this case, since the application for sending the job instruction from the terminal accessed this time is uninstalled (erased), it becomes impossible to transfer the job instruction to the apparatus from the next time. After step S507, the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S506 that the total number of users has not reached the maximum number of users, the number of job accesses is within the range of the maximum number of users in the license agreement, that is, the number of users in the license agreement. Exercised,
The process moves to step S508. Step S508
Then, a process of storing the new MAC address acquired in step S501 in the MAC address memory 82 is executed. Thereafter, this processing ends.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, when an external access is refused, the terminal accessing this time is instructed to uninstall the application for controlling the access operation. Since the terminal that executed the uninstallation process cannot access the terminal after that, the access from the terminal that has been illegally accessed once has been lost,
It is possible to reliably protect the rights under the license agreement.

(Embodiment 6) In Embodiment 2 described above, all processes are stopped when there is access to a job exceeding the maximum number of users in the license agreement. As in the sixth embodiment, after the setting of rejecting the reception from the current job instructor in the future by applying the fourth embodiment described above, the right holder of the license agreement, that is, the right holder is notified of the injustice. You may make it.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Since the sixth embodiment employs the same configuration as the entire configuration according to the second embodiment, units having the same configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the sixth embodiment, job control
Since the network OS program including the application level is different, as shown in FIG.
The OS unit 71F is set in M7.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the sixth embodiment. The overall operation described below is C
Although controlled by the PU1, individual operations are performed in each unit.

Steps S601 to S6 in FIG.
Processes up to 06 correspond to steps S201 to S206 according to the second embodiment described above. That is, in step S601, the MAC information is obtained from the job information received from the key operation unit 5 or through the LAN 14.
The address is obtained. In the following step S602, it is determined whether the MAC address obtained in step S601 is included in the previously obtained MAC address.

As a result of the search, the MAC address memory 8
If it is determined that the same MAC address exists in the job information 2 (step S603), the access is not based on a new job instructor but on the access within the license agreement.
This processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the access does not exist (step S603), the access is from a new job instructor. The total number of users stored in the user number memory 83 is incremented by one.

Further, in step S605, the maximum number of users is read from the maximum user number memory 73 of the ROM 7, and in step S606, the maximum number of users is read in step S6.
The magnitude relation between the total number of users updated in step S04 and the maximum number of users read in step S605 is compared.
If it is determined in step S606 that the total number of users is larger, the number of accesses to the job has exceeded the maximum number of users in the license agreement. Since this violates the license agreement, the processing is performed in step S60 to prevent the occurrence of illegal copying of the application.
Move to 7.

In step S 607, unlike the second embodiment, a setting is made for the LAN interface unit 11 to reject only the current access of the job instructor in the future. In this case, the job instructor registered in the MAC address memory 82 next sends the LAN1
If access is made through step 4, the job is accepted.

Thereafter, the processing shifts to step S608. In step S608, since there is a violation in the license agreement in the job instruction in the current access, a process of notifying the licensee of the occurrence of the violation is executed.

That is, the CPU 1 prepares the installation user name of the apparatus and information indicating that the number of users exceeds the maximum number of users in the license agreement, makes a call according to the telephone number specified by the licensee in advance. Then, the prepared information is controlled to be transmitted via the telephone line 13 to the terminal specified by the licensee.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S606 that the total number of users has not reached the maximum number of users, the number of accesses to the job falls within the range of the maximum number of users in the license agreement, that is, the number of users in the license agreement. Exercised,
The process proceeds to step S609. Step S609
Then, a process of storing the new MAC address acquired in step S601 in the MAC address memory 82 is executed. Thereafter, this processing ends.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, when an access from the outside is rejected, a predetermined terminal is notified of the access rejected state via a transmission line. If the specific person used is the licensee, the licensee can immediately confirm the violation when the license agreement violation occurs,
It is possible to reliably protect the rights under the license agreement.

(Embodiment 7) In the above-described Embodiments 1 to 6, access to a job exceeding the maximum number of users in the license agreement is determined by the MAC address. As in the embodiment 7, instead of the MAC address, an IP (Internet protocol) is used.
l) An address may be used.

In the seventh embodiment described below, an example in which when a job exceeding the maximum number of users in the license agreement is accessed, only the accepting operation of the job relating to the facsimile function is stopped instead of stopping the entire processing. Is shown.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Since the seventh embodiment employs the same configuration as the entire configuration according to the second embodiment, units having the same configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the seventh embodiment, job control
Since the network OS program including the application level is different, as shown in FIG.
The OS unit 71G is set in M7. Also, since an IP address is used instead of a MAC address, the RAM 8
, An IP address memory 84 is provided instead of the MAC address memory 82.

Here, the IP address is information that defines the destination (transmission destination) of the Internet in the network layer (third layer) of the OSI reference model. This IP address is used as an IP header when Ethernet is applied to the computer network.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the seventh embodiment. The overall operation described below is C
Although controlled by the PU1, individual operations are performed in each unit.

Steps S701 to S7 in FIG.
The processing up to 08 corresponds to steps S701 to S708 according to the third embodiment described above, and the difference is that the handling of the MAC address is replaced with the IP address. That is, in step S701, an IP address is obtained from the job information received from the key operation unit 5 or via the LAN 14. Subsequent step S7
In 02, it is determined whether or not the IP address obtained in step S701 is included in the previously obtained IP addresses.

As a result of the search, the IP address memory 84
If it is determined that the same IP address exists in () (step S703), this process ends because the access is not from a new job instructor but is within a license agreement.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the access does not exist (step S703), the access is from a new job instructor. The total number of users stored in the user number memory 83 is incremented by one.

Further, in step S705, the maximum number of users is read from the maximum number of users memory 73 of the ROM 7, and in the following step S706, step S7 is executed.
The magnitude relation between the total number of users updated in step S04 and the maximum number of users read in step S705 is compared.

If it is determined in step S706 that the total number of users is larger, the number of accesses to the job has exceeded the maximum number of users in the license agreement. Since this violates the license agreement, the process proceeds to step S707 in order to prevent the occurrence of illegal copying of the application.

In step S707, conditions for rejecting the acceptance of the job, including the current one, are set in the LAN interface unit 11. For this reason, the job instructor properly registered in the IP address
Job access is rejected even if access is made through step 4. After step S707, the process ends.

The cancellation of the job acceptance is executed by a specific service company or the right holder of the license agreement.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S706 that the total number of users has not reached the maximum number of users, the number of accesses to the job is within the range of the maximum number of users in the license agreement, that is, in the license agreement. Exercised,
The process moves to step S708. Step S708
Then, a process of storing the new IP address acquired in step S701 in the IP address memory 84 is executed. Thereafter, this processing ends.

As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, the user information is an IP address.
Information unique to the network layer of
Unauthorized use by the same user can be excluded from the Internet, and thereby the rights in the license agreement can be reliably protected.

In the seventh embodiment, TCP (Transm.
issue Control Protocol) /
IPX was applied assuming IP, but IPX / S
Address information of another protocol such as PX may be used.

(Eighth Embodiment) In the first to sixth embodiments, the access of a job exceeding the maximum number of users in the license agreement is determined by the MAC address. As in Embodiment 8, account information may be used instead of the MAC address.

In the eighth embodiment described below, an example in which when a job exceeding the maximum number of users in the license agreement is accessed, only the job receiving operation related to the facsimile function is stopped instead of stopping the entire process. Is shown.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Since the eighth embodiment employs the same configuration as the entire configuration according to the above-described second embodiment, the units having the same configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the eighth embodiment, job control
Since the network OS program including the application level is different, as shown in FIG.
The OS unit 71H is set in M7. Also, account information is used instead of MAC address, so RAM
8, an account information memory 85 is provided instead of the MAC address memory 82.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the eighth embodiment. The overall operation described below is C
Although controlled by the PU1, individual operations are performed in each unit.

Steps S801 to S8 in FIG.
The processing up to 08 corresponds to steps S801 to S808 according to the third embodiment described above, and the difference is that the handling of the MAC address is replaced with the account information. That is, in step S801, account information is acquired from the job information received from the key operation unit 5 or via the LAN 14.

In the following step S802, step S8
It is determined whether the acquired account information is included in the previously acquired account information in step S01.

As a result of the search, the account information memory 8
If it is determined that the same account information exists in Step 5 (Step S803), the access is not based on a new job instructor, but is based on a license agreement.
This processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the access does not exist (step S803), the access is from a new job instructor. The total number of users stored in the user number memory 83 is incremented by one.

Further, in step S805, the maximum number of users is read from the maximum user number memory 73 of the ROM 7, and in the following step S806, the step S8 is executed.
The magnitude relation between the total number of users updated in step S04 and the maximum number of users read in step S805 is compared.

If it is determined in step S806 that the total number of users is larger, the number of accesses to the job has exceeded the maximum number of users in the license agreement. Since this violates the license agreement, the process proceeds to step S807 in order to prevent the occurrence of illegal copying or the like of the application.

In step S807, conditions for rejecting the acceptance of the job, including the current one, are set in the LAN interface unit 11. For this reason, the job instructor properly registered in the account information
Job access is rejected even if access is made through. After step S807, the process ends.

The cancellation of the job acceptance is performed by a specific service company or the right holder of the license agreement.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S806 that the total number of users has not reached the maximum number of users, the number of job accesses is within the range of the maximum number of users in the license agreement, that is, the number of jobs in the license agreement. Exercised,
The process moves to step S808. Step S808
Then, a process of storing the new account information acquired in step S801 in the account information memory 85 is executed. Thereafter, this processing ends.

As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, since the user information is account information, since the information is unique to the LAN, unauthorized use by the same user can be excluded from the network. Thus, it is possible to reliably protect the rights under the license agreement.

(Embodiment 9) In Embodiments 1 to 8 described above, the recording section 3 is provided in the information communication apparatus itself so that recording can be performed on a recording object such as recording paper. As in the ninth embodiment, the recording unit 3 is omitted from the configuration, and the LAN interface unit 11 performs online output to another terminal via the LAN 14 or the LAN interface unit 11 performs online output to a recording device such as a printer device dedicated to recording. You may make it.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Since the ninth embodiment employs the same configuration as the entire configuration according to the second embodiment, units having the same configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the ninth embodiment, the job control is adapted to the above-described first to eighth embodiments. However, the application program has no recording control to the recording unit 3 and is all output online. Therefore, the third embodiment is different from the first to eighth embodiments.

As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, when the job specified by the job information includes facsimile communication, the original read by the reading unit 2 is included. Since the image data of the image or the image data received via the transmission path is output online via the transmission path, the rights in the license agreement can be surely protected also in this case.

(Embodiment 10) In Embodiments 1 to 8 described above, the recording section 3 is provided in the information communication apparatus itself so that recording can be performed on a recording object such as recording paper. As in the tenth embodiment, the reading unit 2 and the recording unit 3 are omitted from the configuration, and the facsimile information (the read information of the reading unit 2 and the ), Input facsimile information online from a reading device such as a read-only scanner device via the LAN interface unit 11, or send facsimile information to a recording device such as a printer device for recording. May be output online.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
Since the tenth embodiment employs the same configuration as the entire configuration according to the second embodiment, units having the same configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the tenth embodiment, the job control is adapted to the above-described first to eighth embodiments. However, for the application program, the reading control of the reading unit 2 and the recording control of the recording unit 3 are eliminated. Therefore, the communication is different from those of the first to eighth embodiments.

As described above, this embodiment 10
According to the above, the type of job includes facsimile communication, and when the job specified by the job information is facsimile communication, image data received via the transmission path is output online via the transmission path. Therefore, also in this case, it is possible to reliably protect the rights under the license agreement.

(Embodiment 11) In Embodiment 2 described above, all processes are stopped when there is access to a job exceeding the maximum number of users in the license agreement. As in the eleventh embodiment, the above-described fourth embodiment may be applied to set to reject the reception from the current job instructor in the future, and then reject an incoming call from the telephone line.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention. Since the eleventh embodiment employs the same configuration as the overall configuration according to the above-described second embodiment, the units having the same configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the eleventh embodiment, the job control is performed on the network OS including the application level.
Since the programs are different, as shown in FIG.
The OS unit 71I is set in the ROM 7.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the eleventh embodiment. Note that the overall operation described below is controlled by the CPU 1, but individual operations are performed by each unit.

Steps S901 to S9 in FIG.
Processes up to 06 correspond to steps S201 to S206 according to the second embodiment described above. That is, in step S401, the MAC information is obtained from the job information received from the key operation unit 5 or through the LAN 14.
The address is obtained. In a succeeding step S902, it is determined whether or not the MAC address obtained in the step S901 is included in the previously obtained MAC addresses.

As a result of the search, the MAC address memory 8
If it is determined that the same MAC address exists in the job information 2 (step S903), the access is not performed by a new job instructor, but by an access within a license agreement.
This processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no access (step S903), the access is from a new job instructor. The total number of users stored in the user number memory 83 is incremented by one.

Further, in step S905, the maximum number of users is read out from the maximum user number memory 73 of the ROM 7, and in the following step S906, step S9 is executed.
The magnitude relation between the total number of users updated in step S04 and the maximum number of users read in step S905 is compared.

If it is determined in step S906 that the total number of users is larger, it means that the number of accesses to the job has exceeded the maximum number of users in the license agreement. Since this violates the license agreement, the process proceeds to step S907 to prevent the occurrence of illegal copying of the application.

In step S907, unlike the above-described second embodiment, the LAN interface unit 11 is set to deny only the current access of the job instructor in the future. In this case, the job instructor registered in the MAC address memory 82 next sends the LAN1
If access is made through step 4, the job is accepted.

Thereafter, the processing shifts to step S908. In step S908, a condition for rejecting access from outside via the telephone line 13 after the violation is set in the network control unit 10 because a violation of the license agreement has occurred in the job instruction in the current access. You. As a result, subsequent incoming calls from the telephone line 13 are transmitted to the network control unit 1.
All rejected by a control of 0.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S906 that the total number of users has not reached the maximum number of users, the number of job accesses is within the range of the maximum number of users in the license agreement, that is, the number of jobs in the license agreement. Exercised,
The process moves to step S909. Step S909
Then, a process of storing the new MAC address acquired in step S901 in the MAC address memory 82 is executed. Thereafter, this processing ends.

As described above, according to the eleventh embodiment, the facsimile communication function is provided so that the external facsimile reception operation via the telephone line 13 having the transmission line is stopped during the access rejection period. Therefore, the facsimile function can be stopped after the fraud, and thereby the rights in the license agreement can be reliably protected.

(Embodiment 12) In Embodiments 2 to 11 described above, the maximum number of users is stored in the ROM 7. However, as in Embodiment 12 described below, The maximum number of users may be arbitrarily changed only by a specific service company or the right holder of the license agreement.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.
Since the twelfth embodiment employs the same configuration as the entire configuration according to the above-described second embodiment, the units having the same configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the twelfth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the maximum number of users is EEP (Elect
Trially Erasable and Pro
This is stored in advance in the maximum user number memory 151 of the ROM 15 and this part is used in the first embodiment.
１１11 are different from the configuration of １１11.

Further, since the network OS program including the application level is different for the job control, the OS unit 71J is set in the ROM 7.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the twelfth embodiment. Note that the overall operation described below is controlled by the CPU 1, but individual operations are performed by each unit.

Steps S1001 to S100 in FIG.
Processing up to 1006 corresponds to steps S201 to S206 according to the second embodiment described above. That is, in step S1001, from the key operation unit 5,
Alternatively, the MAC address is obtained from the job information received through the LAN 14. Subsequent step S1002
Then, it is determined whether or not the MAC address obtained in step S1001 is included in the previously obtained MAC address.

As a result of the search, the MAC address memory 8
If it is determined that the same MAC address exists in 2 (step S1003), this processing ends because access is not from a new job instructor but is within a license agreement.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the access does not exist (step S1003), the access is from a new job instructor. The total number of users stored in the user number memory 83 is incremented by one.

Further, in step S1005, the maximum number of users is stored in the maximum user number memory 1 of the EEPROM 15.
51, and in the following step S1006, the magnitude relationship between the total number of users updated in step S1004 and the maximum number of users read in step S1005 is compared.

If the result that the total number of users is larger in step S1006 is obtained, it means that the number of accesses to the job exceeds the maximum number of users in the license agreement. Since this violates the license agreement, the process proceeds to step S1007 to prevent the occurrence of illegal copying of the application.

In step S1007, unlike the above-described second embodiment, a condition for rejecting the acceptance of a job, including the current time, is set in the LAN interface unit 11. For this reason, even if there is an access from the job instructor registered in the MAC address memory 82 through the LAN 14, the job acceptance is rejected. Step S1
After 007, the process ends.

The cancellation of the job acceptance is performed by a specific service company or the right holder of the license agreement.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1006 that the total number of users has not reached the maximum number of users, the number of accesses to the job is within the range of the maximum number of users in the license agreement, that is, in the license agreement. Rights are exercised, and the process moves to step S1008. Step S
In 1008, a process of storing the new MAC address acquired in step S1001 in the MAC address memory 82 is executed. Thereafter, this processing ends.

As described above, according to the twelfth embodiment, before registering the user information, it is determined whether or not the total number of users exceeds the maximum number of users in the current registration. If it is obtained, at least external access is denied, while if it is determined that the access is not exceeded, control is performed to execute the job based on the input job information. Since it is arbitrarily changed in response to a request from a terminal that satisfies the predetermined conditions, if the maximum number of users is specified as a license agreement right, if there is access exceeding the maximum number of users, it will be a breach of the contract and subsequent use Of the maximum number of users by a third party can be prevented from being falsified or rewritten, and the maximum The number can be an appropriate change The. For this reason,
It is possible to reliably maintain the rights under the license agreement.

(Thirteenth Embodiment) In the twelfth embodiment described above, if there is a violation in the license agreement, the acceptance of the job by the subsequent access is refused. As shown in FIG. 13, if there is a violation in the license agreement, a setting may be made to reject the acceptance of the current job instructor in the future, and then the maximum number of users may be arbitrarily changed with the permission of the licensee.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration according to a thirteenth embodiment of the information communication apparatus according to the present invention. In the thirteenth embodiment, since the same configuration as that of the above-described twelfth embodiment is adopted, the units having the same configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description is omitted.

According to the thirteenth embodiment, the job control is performed by the network OS including the application level.
Since the programs are different, as shown in FIG.
The OS unit 71K is set in the ROM 7.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the thirteenth embodiment. Note that the overall operation described below is controlled by the CPU 1, but individual operations are performed by each unit.

Steps S1101 to S110 in FIG.
Processing up to 1106 corresponds to steps S1001 to S1006 according to the twelfth embodiment described above. That is, in step S1101, the key operation unit 5
Or from the job information received via the LAN 14. Subsequent step S1
In 102, the MA acquired in step S1101
It is determined whether the C address is included in the previously acquired MAC address.

As a result of the search, the MAC address memory 8
If it is determined that the same MAC address exists in 2 (step S1103), this process ends because the access is within a license agreement, not an access from a new job instructor.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the access does not exist (step S1103), the access is from a new job instructor. The total number of users stored in the user number memory 83 is incremented by one.

Further, at step S1105, the maximum number of users is stored in the maximum number of users memory 7 of the EEPROM 15.
151, and in the following step S1106, the magnitude relationship between the total number of users updated in step S1104 and the maximum number of users read in step S1105 is compared.

If it is determined in step S1106 that the total number of users is larger, the number of accesses to the job has exceeded the maximum number of users in the license agreement. Since this violates the license agreement, the process proceeds to step S1107 in order to prevent the occurrence of illegal copying or the like of the application.

In step S1107, unlike the twelfth embodiment, a setting is made for the LAN interface unit 11 to reject only the current access of the job instructor in the future. In this case, the next job instructor registered in the MAC address memory 82 will be LA
If there is access through N14, the job is accepted.

After that, the process moves to step S1108. In step S1108, since there is a violation in the license agreement in the job instruction in the current access, a process of notifying the licensee of the occurrence of the violation is executed.

That is, the CPU 1 prepares the installation user name of the apparatus and information indicating that the number of users exceeds the maximum number of users in the license agreement, makes a call according to the telephone number specified by the licensee in advance. Then, the prepared information is controlled to be transmitted via the telephone line 13 to the terminal specified by the licensee.

As described above, after an automatic call is made to the licensee's side terminal via the telephone line 13, if there is an instruction to change the maximum number of users from the licensee's side terminal, the telephone line 13 is disconnected. The maximum number of users is received via the CPU 15 and the received maximum number of users is written into the maximum user number memory 151 in the EEPROM 15. Thus, the maximum number of users is changed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1106 that the total number of users has not reached the maximum number of users, the number of accesses to the job is within the range of the maximum number of users in the license agreement, that is, in the license agreement. Rights are exercised, and the process moves to step S1109. Step S
In 1109, a process of storing the new MAC address acquired in step S1101 in the MAC address memory 82 is executed. Thereafter, this processing ends.

As described above, according to the thirteenth embodiment, before registering user information, it is determined whether or not the total number of users exceeds the maximum number of users in the current registration. If it is obtained, at least external access is denied, while if it is determined that the access is not exceeded, control is performed to execute the job based on the input job information. At the time
The maximum number of users is arbitrarily changed in response to a request from a terminal that satisfies the predetermined conditions.If the maximum number of users is specified as a license agreement right, if there is access exceeding the maximum number of users, the contract It is a violation, and subsequent use is rejected, and falsification or rewriting of the maximum number of users by a third party can be prevented, and access to the maximum number of users is denied by a specific person equivalent to the licensee according to the rights in the license agreement Can be changed in response to Therefore, it is possible to reliably maintain the rights under the license agreement.

(Embodiment 14) In Embodiment 12 described above, if there is a violation in the license agreement, the acceptance of a job by subsequent access is refused. However, the following embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 14, if there is a violation in the license agreement, a setting is made to reject the acceptance of the current job instructor in the future, then, after performing ID collation, the maximum number of users is arbitrarily changed with the permission of the license holder. You may do so.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal structure of an information communication apparatus according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. Since the fourteenth embodiment employs the same configuration as the entire configuration according to the twelfth embodiment, the units having the same configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the fourteenth embodiment, the job control is performed by the network OS including the application level.
Since the programs are different, as shown in FIG.
An OS unit 71L is set in the ROM 7.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the fourteenth embodiment. Note that the overall operation described below is controlled by the CPU 1, but individual operations are performed by each unit.

Steps S1201 to S120 in FIG.
Processing up to 1206 corresponds to steps S1001 to S1006 according to the twelfth embodiment described above. That is, in step S1201, the key operation unit 5
Or from the job information received via the LAN 14. Subsequent step S1
In 202, the MA acquired in step S1201
It is determined whether the C address is included in the previously acquired MAC address.

As a result of the search, the MAC address memory 8
If it is determined that the same MAC address exists in 2 (step S1203), this process ends because the access is not from a new job instructor but is within a license agreement.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the access does not exist (step S1203), the access is from a new job instructor. The total number of users stored in the user number memory 83 is incremented by one.

Further, in step S 1205, the maximum number of users is stored in the maximum number of users memory 7 of the EEPROM 15.
151, and in the following step S1206, the magnitude relationship between the total number of users updated in step S1204 and the maximum number of users read in step S1205 is compared.

[0213] If it is determined in step S1206 that the total number of users is larger, it means that the number of accesses to the job has exceeded the maximum number of users in the license agreement. Since this violates the license agreement, the process proceeds to step S1207 to prevent the occurrence of illegal copying or the like of the application.

In step S1207, unlike the twelfth embodiment, a setting is made for the LAN interface unit 11 to deny only the current access of the job instructor in the future. In this case, the next job instructor registered in the MAC address memory 82 will be LA
If there is access through N14, the job is accepted.

Thereafter, the processing shifts to step S1208. In this step S1208, since there is a violation in the license agreement in the job instruction in the current access, a process of notifying the licensee of the occurrence of the violation is executed.

That is, the CPU 1 prepares the installation user name of the apparatus and information indicating that the number of users exceeds the maximum number of users in the license agreement, makes a call according to the telephone number specified in advance by the licensee. Then, the prepared information is controlled to be transmitted via the telephone line 13 to the terminal specified by the licensee.

As described above, when the automatic call is made from the apparatus to the terminal of the licensee through the telephone line 13 and a violation of the license agreement is confirmed at the terminal of the licensee, the licensee is confirmed. ID code is received from this terminal to this apparatus.

This ID code is information for certifying the validity of the change instruction when arbitrarily changing the maximum number of users based on a license agreement concluded between the user of this apparatus and the licensee. . For this reason, the same ID code is registered in both the present apparatus and the terminal of the licensee. In this apparatus, this ID code is stored in the ROM 7 or the like to protect the ID code from tampering or change by a third party.

The present device checks the ID code sent from the terminal of the licensee and the ID code registered in the own device, and if they match, gives a notice to permit change of the maximum number of users. Sends it to the terminal on the authority side and receives information on the maximum number of users.

In this apparatus, when the maximum number of users to be updated is received from the licensee's terminal, the received maximum number of users is written to the maximum user number memory 151 in the EEPROM 15. Thus, the maximum number of users is changed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1206 that the total number of users has not reached the maximum number of users, the number of access to the job is within the range of the maximum number of users in the license agreement, that is, in the license agreement. Rights are exercised, and the process moves to step S1209. Step S
In 1209, a process of storing the new MAC address acquired in step S1201 in the MAC address memory 82 is executed. Thereafter, this processing ends.

As described above, according to the fourteenth embodiment, the ID code sent from the terminal satisfying the predetermined condition, that is, the terminal of the licensee, and the ID registered in advance
Since the maximum number of users is changed only when the information is matched and a match is obtained, security is ensured, and thus the rights in the license agreement can be reliably protected. is there.

(Embodiment 15) In Embodiment 12 described above, if there is a violation in the license agreement, the acceptance of a job by subsequent access is refused. However, the following embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, if there is a violation in the license agreement, a setting is made to reject the acceptance of the current job instructor in the future. The maximum number of users may be changed with the permission.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration according to a fifteenth embodiment of the information communication apparatus according to the present invention. In the fifteenth embodiment, since the same configuration as that of the above-described twelfth embodiment is adopted, the units having the same configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description is omitted.

In the fifteenth embodiment, the job control is performed by the network OS including the application level.
Since the programs are different, as shown in FIG.
The OS unit 71M is set in the ROM 7.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the fifteenth embodiment. Note that the overall operation described below is controlled by the CPU 1, but individual operations are performed by each unit.

Steps S1301 to S130 in FIG.
Processing up to 1306 corresponds to steps S1001 to S1006 according to the twelfth embodiment described above. That is, in step S1301, the key operation unit 5
Or from the job information received via the LAN 14. Subsequent step S1
In 302, the MA acquired in step S1301
It is determined whether the C address is included in the previously acquired MAC address.

As a result of the search, the MAC address memory 8
If it is determined that the same MAC address exists in 2 (step S1303), this process ends because the access is not from a new job instructor but is within a license agreement.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the access does not exist (step S1303), the access is from a new job instructor. The total number of users stored in the user number memory 83 is incremented by one.

Further, in step S 1305, the maximum number of users is stored in the maximum user number memory 7 of the EEPROM 15.
151, and in the following step S1306, the magnitude relationship between the total number of users updated in step S1304 and the maximum number of users read in step S1305 is compared.

If it is determined in step S1306 that the total number of users is larger, it means that the number of accesses to the job has exceeded the maximum number of users in the license agreement. Since this violates the license agreement, the process proceeds to step S1307 to prevent the occurrence of illegal copying of the application.

In step S1307, unlike the twelfth embodiment, a setting is made for the LAN interface unit 11 to reject only the current access of the job instructor in the future. In this case, the next job instructor registered in the MAC address memory 82 will be LA
If there is access through N14, the job is accepted.

Thereafter, the processing shifts to step S1308. In step S1308, since there is a violation in the license agreement in the job instruction in the current access, a process of notifying the licensee of the occurrence of the violation is executed. That is, the CPU 1 prepares the installation user name of the apparatus and information indicating that the maximum number of users has been exceeded in the license agreement, makes a call according to the telephone number specified in advance by the licensor, and is prepared. The information transmitted to the terminal designated by the licensee is controlled via the telephone line 13.

As described above, when the automatic call is made from the apparatus to the terminal of the licensee through the telephone line 13 and a violation of the license agreement is confirmed on the terminal of the licensee, the licensee is confirmed. ID code is received from this terminal to this apparatus.

This ID code is information for certifying the validity of the change instruction when arbitrarily changing the maximum number of users based on a license agreement concluded between the user of the present apparatus and the licensee. . For this reason, the same ID code is registered in both the present apparatus and the terminal of the licensee. In this apparatus, this ID code is stored in the ROM 7 or the like to protect the ID code from tampering or change by a third party.

It should be noted that an ID is transmitted from the terminal of the licensee to the apparatus.
When transferring the code, the ID data is encrypted to ensure security. Therefore, step S
At 1308, when the ID code is received from the licensee, a decryption process of the code is executed. An operation based on a generator polynomial or the like can be applied to the encryption.

The present device checks the ID code sent from the terminal of the licensee and the ID code registered in the own device, and if they match, gives a notice of permission to change the maximum number of users. Sends it to the terminal on the authority side and receives information on the maximum number of users.

In this apparatus, when the maximum number of users is received from the terminal of the licensee, the received maximum number of users is stored in the maximum user number memory 151 in the EEPROM 15.
Is written to. Thus, the maximum number of users is changed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1306 that the total number of users has not reached the maximum number of users, the number of accesses to the job is within the range of the maximum number of users in the license agreement, that is, in the license agreement. The right is exercised, and the process moves to step S1309. Step S
In 1309, a process of storing the new MAC address acquired in step S1301 in the MAC address memory 82 is executed. Thereafter, this processing ends.

As described above, according to the fifteenth embodiment, the ID code is encrypted information, and the ID information sent from the terminal of the licensee is decrypted before the collation is executed. As a result, the security is improved, and thereby the rights in the license agreement can be reliably protected.

(Embodiment 16) In Embodiment 12 described above, if there is a violation in the license agreement, the acceptance of a job by subsequent access is refused. However, the following embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, if there is a violation in the license agreement, only the setting for rejecting the acceptance of the current job instructor in the future may be adopted.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. Since the sixteenth embodiment employs the same configuration as the entire configuration according to the twelfth embodiment, units having the same configuration and function will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

In the sixteenth embodiment, the job control is performed by the network OS including the application level.
Since the programs are different, as shown in FIG.
The OS unit 71N is set in the ROM 7.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 30 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the sixteenth embodiment. Note that the overall operation described below is controlled by the CPU 1, but individual operations are performed by each unit.

Steps S1401 to S140 in FIG.
Processing up to 1406 corresponds to steps S1001 to S1006 according to the twelfth embodiment. That is, in step S1401, the key operation unit 5
Or from the job information received via the LAN 14. Subsequent step S1
In 402, the MA acquired in step S1401
It is determined whether the C address is included in the previously acquired MAC address.

As a result of the search, the MAC address memory 8
If it is determined that the same MAC address exists in 2 (step S1403), this processing ends because the access is not from a new job instructor but is within a license agreement.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the access does not exist (step S1403), the access is from a new job instructor. The total number of users stored in the user number memory 83 is incremented by one.

In step S1405, the maximum number of users is stored in the maximum user number memory 7 of the EEPROM 15.
151, and in the following step S1406, the magnitude relation between the total number of users updated in step S1404 and the maximum number of users read in step S1405 is compared.

If it is determined in step S1406 that the total number of users is larger, it means that the number of accesses to the job has exceeded the maximum number of users in the license agreement. Since this violates the license agreement, the process proceeds to step S1407 in order to prevent occurrence of illegal copying of the application.

In step S1407, unlike the twelfth embodiment, a setting is made for the LAN interface unit 11 to reject only the current access of the job instructor in the future. In this case, the next job instructor registered in the MAC address memory 82 will be LA
If there is access through N14, the job is accepted. Thereafter, the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1406 that the total number of users has not reached the maximum number of users, the number of accesses to the job is within the range of the maximum number of users in the license agreement, that is, in the license agreement. Rights are exercised, and the process moves to step S1408. Step S
In 1408, a process of storing the new MAC address acquired in step S1401 in the MAC address memory 82 is executed. Thereafter, this processing ends.

Next, an example of a job according to the sixteenth embodiment will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed by a transmission job according to the sixteenth embodiment.

When the job control shown in FIG. 30 permits the job instruction, if at least the IP address of the transmission destination has been registered in the RAM 8 or the like in advance (step S
1501), the LAN interface unit 11 is selected as a transmission path, and facsimile information is transmitted from the LAN interface unit 11 to the terminal having the IP address via the LAN 14 (step S1502).

In step S1501, if only the telephone number has been registered in the RAM 8 or the like as the information of the transmission destination, the network control unit 10 is selected as a transmission path, and the network control unit 10 Facsimile information is transmitted to the terminal having the telephone number (step S1503).

As described above, according to the sixteenth embodiment, if a plurality of transmission paths are prepared and the job indicated by the job information includes data transfer in the job type, Since one transmission path to be used for data transfer according to the information is selected from a plurality of transmission paths, an appropriate transmission path can be selected depending on the user information, thereby ensuring the rights in the license agreement. It is possible to protect.

In each of the embodiments described above, the LAN 14 is applied to the transmission line of the computer network. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the telephone line, GP-IB, wireless line (infrared ray Etc.).

In each of the embodiments described above, the facsimile network system using the information communication device to which the facsimile function is applied is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A computer network system using an information communication apparatus to which only one of the functions, the copying function, the facsimile function, and the similar functions are applied, or a combination of two or more functions may be applied.

Note that the job information to be executed in this case is a process corresponding to the function applied to the information communication device. This job information is provided with a scan process corresponding to the scanner input function, a print process corresponding to the printer output function, a copy process corresponding to the copy function, and a copy process corresponding to the facsimile function. A facsimile communication process is added as in each of the embodiments described above.

In the above-described first to sixteenth embodiments, the maximum number of users is stored in the ROM 7, EEPROM,
It may be stored in any storage location of the OM 15, and it is assumed in the present invention that security is effectively maintained.

Note that the EEPROM 15 can be replaced with a static RAM or the like that is backed up by a power supply.

[0261]

As described above, according to the present invention, if there is an access that does not satisfy the predetermined access condition, the subsequent access is rejected. If the access conditions are not satisfied, the contract is violated and subsequent use is rejected, so that an information communication device that can reliably maintain the rights under the license agreement can be obtained. Play.

According to the next invention, before registering the user information, it is determined whether or not the total number of users exceeds a predetermined maximum number of users in this registration, and a result of the determination is obtained. In this case, at least the external access is denied, while if the judgment result is not exceeded, the job is controlled to execute the job based on the input job information. If the number of users is specified, if the access exceeds the maximum number of users, the contract is violated and the subsequent use is rejected, so that an information communication device capable of reliably maintaining the rights in the license agreement can be obtained. This has the effect.

According to the next invention, before registering the user information, it is determined whether or not the total number of users exceeds the maximum number of users stored and held in a non-rewritable state in this registration. If the judgment result is obtained, at least the access from outside is rejected, while if the judgment result is not exceeded, the job is controlled to execute the job based on the input job information. If the maximum number of users is stipulated as a contractual right, access beyond the maximum number of users will result in a breach of the contract and rejection of subsequent use. Since the information communication device can be prevented from being prevented, an information communication device capable of reliably maintaining the rights in the license agreement can be obtained.

According to the next invention, before registering the user information, it is determined whether or not the total number of users exceeds the maximum number of users in the current registration. Deny outside access,
If a determination result is obtained that does not exceed, control is performed to execute a job based on the input job information, and the maximum number of users is arbitrarily changed according to a request from a terminal satisfying a predetermined condition. Therefore, if the maximum number of users is stipulated as a license agreement right, access beyond the maximum number of users will be a breach of the contract and subsequent use will be rejected. Since the tampering and rewriting can be prevented, and the maximum number of users can be appropriately changed by a specific person equivalent to the licensee according to the rights in the license agreement, an information communication device capable of reliably maintaining the rights in the license agreement is obtained. The effect is that it can be done.

According to the next invention, before registering the user information, it is determined whether or not the total number of users exceeds the maximum number of users in the current registration. Controls execution of a job based on the input job information if access from outside is denied and a judgment result that the access is not exceeded is obtained. Is arbitrarily changed in response to a request from a terminal that satisfies the prescribed conditions, so if the maximum number of users is specified as a license agreement right, if there is access exceeding the maximum number of users, it will be a breach of the contract Is denied, and falsification or rewriting of the maximum number of users by a third party can be prevented. Because it can change in response to the number of users to access denied, an effect that license contract rights reliably maintain information capable communication device to be obtained.

According to the next invention, the maximum number of users can be determined only when the changing means matches the ID information sent from the terminal satisfying the predetermined condition with the ID information registered in advance and obtains a match. Since the change of the number is executed, security is ensured, and as a result, there is an effect that an information communication device capable of surely protecting the rights in the license agreement is obtained.

According to the next invention, the ID information is encrypted information, and the changing means decodes the ID information sent from the terminal satisfying the predetermined condition and then executes the collation. Therefore, the security is improved, and the information communication device capable of reliably protecting the rights in the license agreement is obtained.

According to the next invention, the access control means disables execution of all the jobs prepared in advance when external access is denied. At this point, the execution of the subsequent jobs is stopped, which provides an effect that an information communication device capable of reliably protecting the rights under the license agreement is obtained.

According to the next invention, when the access control means rejects access from the outside, only the execution of the job corresponding to the user information of the terminal which has accessed this time is prohibited in the future. An information communication apparatus which can exclude a job instruction of a user who accesses the system and permit only a normal user to perform normal access, thereby securely protecting a right under a license agreement. Is obtained.

According to the next invention, when the access control means rejects an external access, the access control means notifies the predetermined terminal via the transmission path of the access denied state, so that the predetermined terminal is used. By making the specific person the licensor, the licensor can immediately check for any violations of the license agreement when they occur,
An advantage is obtained in that an information communication device capable of surely protecting rights under a license agreement is obtained.

According to the next invention, the access control means, when rejecting external access, instructs the terminal that has accessed this time to uninstall the application for controlling the access operation. Therefore, the terminal that has performed the uninstallation process will not be able to access any further, and since there will be no access from the terminal that has once illegally accessed,
An advantage is obtained in that an information communication device capable of surely protecting rights under a license agreement is obtained.

According to the next invention, the facsimile communication function is provided, and the external facsimile reception operation via the transmission line is stopped during the access rejection period by the access control means. The information communication device can be stopped, thereby providing an information communication device capable of reliably protecting the rights in the license agreement.

According to the next invention, since the transmission path is a LAN, it is possible to deny access from a corresponding terminal for a violation of a license agreement on a computer network, whereby a license agreement using the LAN can be obtained. There is an effect that an information communication device capable of reliably protecting the above right can be obtained.

According to the next invention, the user information is stored in the MAC
Since the address is unique to the data link layer of the LAN, unauthorized use by the same user can be excluded from the network, thereby ensuring that the rights under the license agreement can be protected. This provides an effect that a simple information communication device can be obtained.

According to the next invention, since the user information is an IP address, since the information is unique in the network layer of the LAN, unauthorized use by the same user can be excluded from the network. An advantage is obtained in that an information communication device capable of surely protecting rights under a license agreement is obtained.

According to the next invention, since the user information is account information, since the information is unique to the LAN, unauthorized use by the same user can be excluded from the network. An information communication device capable of reliably protecting the right of the present invention can be obtained.

According to the next invention, the input means includes means for inputting job information as a key, so that a job instruction from the apparatus can be executed according to a license agreement in the same manner as access using a transmission path. There is an effect that an information communication device capable of reliably protecting the right can be obtained.

According to the next invention, when the job specified by the job information includes facsimile communication including the facsimile communication in the job type, the image data of the original image read by the reading means or via the transmission path. Since the received image data is output on-line via the transmission path, the information communication device capable of reliably protecting the rights under the license agreement can be obtained in this case as well.

[0279] According to the next invention, if the job specified by the job information is facsimile communication including the facsimile communication in the job type, the image data received via the transmission path is transmitted via the transmission path. Since the information is output online, an information communication device capable of reliably protecting the rights in the license agreement can be obtained in this case as well.

According to the next invention, when a plurality of transmission paths are prepared and the type of job includes data transfer, and the job specified by the job information is data transfer, the data transfer is performed in accordance with the user information. Since one transmission line to be used is selected from a plurality of transmission lines, a suitable transmission line can be selected depending on user information,
An advantage is obtained in that an information communication device capable of surely protecting rights under a license agreement is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of an information communication apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration according to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an information communication apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration according to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating LAN job control according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an information communication apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining LAN job control according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an information communication apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for describing LAN job control according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an information communication apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating LAN job control according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating LAN job control according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating LAN job control according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating job control of a LAN according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration according to an eleventh embodiment of the information communication apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating LAN job control according to the eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating LAN job control according to the twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration of an information communication apparatus according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating LAN job control according to the thirteenth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration according to a fourteenth embodiment of the information communication apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating LAN job control according to the fourteenth embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration according to a fifteenth embodiment of the information communication apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating LAN job control according to the fifteenth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration according to a sixteenth embodiment of the information communication apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating LAN job control according to the sixteenth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation by a transmission job according to the sixteenth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 CPU, 2 reading unit, 3 recording unit, 4 encoding / decoding unit, 5 key operation unit, 7 ROM, 8 RAM, 9 modem, 10 network control unit, 11 LAN interface unit, 15 EEPROM, 71A, 71B, 71C, 7
1D, 71E, 71F, 71G, 71H, 71I, 71
J, 71K, 71L, 71M, 71NOS part, 72A
P section, 73, 151 maximum user number memory, 81 job information memory, 82 MAC address memory, 83 total user number memory, 84 IP address memory, 85 account information memory.

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. An interface unit connected to at least one transmission line connecting one or a plurality of terminals and receiving access from each terminal through the transmission line, and determining an access state to the interface unit. And an access control means for controlling so that at least the external access to the interface means is rejected when the access condition determined by the determination means does not satisfy a predetermined access condition. An information communication device, comprising: 2. An input which is connected to at least one transmission line connecting one or a plurality of terminals, receives job access from each terminal via the transmission line, and inputs job information for instructing a job. Means, user analysis means for analyzing user information designating a job based on the job information input by the input means, and registration for registering the user information analyzed by the user analysis means after execution of the corresponding job Means for determining whether or not the total number of users registered in the registration means in this registration exceeds a predetermined maximum number of users before registering user information by the registration means; If a determination result of exceeding the value is obtained by the determining means, at least external access to the input means is denied. Information communication apparatus characterized by comprising a, and access control means for controlling to execute the job based on the job information inputted by said input means when the determination result that no more than was obtained. 3. A maximum number of users storage means for storing and holding a maximum number of users in a non-rewritable state, and connected to at least one transmission line connecting one or a plurality of terminals, and through said transmission line. An input unit that receives access from each terminal and inputs job information for instructing a job; a user analyzing unit that analyzes user information for instructing a job based on the job information input by the input unit; A registration unit for registering the user information analyzed by the user analysis unit after executing a corresponding job; and a total number of users registered in the registration unit in the current registration before registering the user information by the registration unit. Determining means for determining whether or not the maximum number of users stored and held by the maximum number of users storage and holding means is exceeded; If the judgment result is obtained, at least the external access to the input means is denied. On the other hand, if the judgment result is not exceeded, the job inputted by the input means is rejected. An information communication device, comprising: an access control unit configured to control execution of a job based on information. 4. A maximum number of users storage means for storing and holding a maximum number of users, connected to at least one transmission line connecting one or more terminals, and accessed from each of the terminals through the transmission line. Input means for receiving job information and inputting job information for instructing a job; user analyzing means for analyzing user information for instructing a job based on the job information input by the input means; and analyzing by the user analyzing means Registration means for registering the registered user information after executing the corresponding job, and storing the maximum number of users registered in the registration means in the current registration before registering the user information by the registration means. Determining means for determining whether the number of users exceeds the maximum number of users stored and held in the holding means; In this case, at least the external access to the input unit is denied, and if the determination result that the determination is not exceeded is obtained, the job based on the job information input by the input unit is rejected. Access control means for controlling to execute, and changing means for arbitrarily changing the maximum number of users stored in the maximum user storage means in response to a request from a terminal satisfying a predetermined condition through the transmission path. An information communication device comprising: 5. A maximum number of users storage means for storing and holding a maximum number of users, connected to at least one transmission line connecting one or more terminals, and accessed from each of the terminals through the transmission line. Input means for receiving job information and inputting job information for instructing a job; user analyzing means for analyzing user information for instructing a job based on the job information input by the input means; and analyzing by the user analyzing means Registration means for registering the registered user information after executing the corresponding job, and storing the maximum number of users registered in the registration means in the current registration before registering the user information by the registration means. Determining means for determining whether the number of users exceeds the maximum number of users stored and held in the holding means; In this case, at least the external access to the input unit is denied, and if the determination result that the determination is not exceeded is obtained, the job based on the job information input by the input unit is rejected. Access control means for controlling the execution, and only when access is denied by the access control means, is stored in the maximum user storage means in response to a request from a terminal satisfying a predetermined condition through the transmission path. An information communication device, comprising: changing means for arbitrarily changing the maximum number of users. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the changing unit includes an ID information transmitted from a terminal satisfying the predetermined condition and an ID registered in advance.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the change of the maximum number of users is executed only when a match is obtained by collating with the D information.
An information communication device according to claim 1. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ID information is encrypted information, and the change unit decrypts the ID information sent from the terminal satisfying the predetermined condition, and then executes the collation. The information communication device according to claim 6. 8. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said access control means disables execution of all the jobs prepared in advance when denying access from outside.
8. The information communication device according to any one of items 7 to 7. 9. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said access control means disables execution of a job corresponding to the user information of the currently accessed terminal only in the future when rejecting access from outside. The information communication device according to any one of the above. 10. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the access control unit notifies a predetermined terminal of the access rejection state via the transmission line when rejecting an external access. Information communication device according to any one of the above. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said access control means, when rejecting an external access, instructs a terminal that has accessed this time to uninstall an application for controlling the access operation. 8. The information communication device according to any one of 2 to 7. 12. The information communication apparatus has a facsimile communication function, and stops an external facsimile reception operation via the transmission path during an access rejection period by the access control means. 8
11. The information communication device according to any one of items 10 to 10. 13. The information communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said transmission path is a LAN. 14. The information communication apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said user information is a MAC address. 15. The information communication apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said user information is an IP address. 16. The information communication apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said user information is account information. 17. The information communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said input unit includes a unit for key inputting job information. 18. The type of job includes facsimile communication, and the information communication device has reading means for reading a document image. If the job specified by the job information is facsimile communication, the reading is performed. The image data of a document image read by a means or image data received through the transmission path is output online via the transmission path. Information communication device. 19. The type of job includes facsimile communication. When the job specified by the job information is facsimile communication, image data received via the transmission path is transmitted via the transmission path. The information communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the information communication device performs online output. 20. A plurality of the transmission paths are prepared, and the type of the job includes data transfer. When a job specified by the job information is a data transfer, data is transferred according to the user information. The information communication device according to claim 2, wherein one of the transmission lines to be used is selected from the plurality of transmission lines.