| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of releasing option functions without the need for entry of a password or the like. <P>SOLUTION: Function release processing using a release key includes: steps 100 to 106 of a composite machine shifting to a maintenance mode when the release key is loaded so as to confirm whether or not an apparatus ID is recorded in the release key, reading function information from the release key when no apparatus ID is recorded, and particularizing the option function for releasing the function; and steps 108, 110 of releasing the function so as to make the particularized option function available thereafter and writing the apparatus ID of its own apparatus to the release key. The composite machine carries out error processing to terminate the maintenance mode when the apparatus ID is recorded to the release key. Thus, the composite machine can properly release the function without the need for entry of a password or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI |
