Service server, program, and service system

Abstract

This invention provides a service server, program, and service system that can prevent users from remaining subscribed to the service if their registration information for joining the service is interrupted. [Solution] The control unit of the service server obtains the input status of registration information from the terminal device. The control unit obtains a request from the image forming apparatus. The request indicates that the image forming apparatus has formed a predetermined number of images in one month. By obtaining the request, the control unit determines that the image forming apparatus has formed a predetermined number of images in one month if the input status is interrupted. The control unit sends a reminder email to the terminal device (S29). The reminder email contains a hyperlink to connect to an input form that prompts the user to resume entering registration information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a service server, a program, and a service system.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding a printing device, a service of an automatic ordering and delivery system for consumables is known. When the remaining amount of consumables used for printing reaches or falls below a predetermined threshold, the printing device described in Patent Document 1 determines whether a contract regarding the delivery of consumables has been made. If the printing device determines that no contract regarding the delivery of consumables has been made, it displays a screen prompting the user to enter into a contract for the delivery of consumables.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A user inputs registration information necessary to subscribe to a service. The user may find it cumbersome to input the registration information and may interrupt the process. In the above printing device, if the user interrupts the input of the registration information, the user may not be subscribed to the service.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a service server, a program, and a service system that can prevent the user from being unable to subscribe to the service when the input of registration information for subscribing to the service is interrupted.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A service server according to a first aspect of the present invention is a service server that provides services relating to an image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit performs: a first acquisition process for acquiring the input status of registration information for subscribing to the service from the image forming apparatus or a linked terminal linked to the image forming apparatus; a second acquisition process for acquiring history information of image forming by the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus or the linked terminal; a determination process for determining whether a predetermined change relating to image forming by the image forming apparatus is included in the history information acquired in the second acquisition process if the input status acquired in the first acquisition process indicates an interrupted state of input of the registration information; and a notification process for notifying the image forming apparatus or the linked terminal to resume input of the registration information if the determination process determines that the predetermined change is included in the history information.

[0007] According to the first embodiment, the service server, upon detecting a predetermined change in the image forming apparatus, notifies users whose registration information has been interrupted to prompt them to resume entering their registration information. Thus, the service server contributes to preventing situations where users remain unsubscribed from the service.

[0008] A program according to a second aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer that controls a service server providing services related to an image forming apparatus to execute: a first acquisition step of acquiring the input status of registration information for subscribing to the service from the image forming apparatus or a linked terminal linked to the image forming apparatus; a second acquisition step of acquiring history information of image forming by the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus or the linked terminal; a determination step of determining whether a predetermined change related to image forming by the image forming apparatus is included in the history information acquired in the second acquisition step if the input status acquired in the first acquisition step indicates an interrupted state of input of the registration information; and a notification step of notifying the image forming apparatus or the linked terminal to resume input of the registration information if the determination step determines that the predetermined change is included in the history information.

[0009] A service system according to a third aspect of the present invention is a service system comprising: an image forming apparatus; a linked terminal that cooperates with the image forming apparatus; a service server that can communicate with the image forming apparatus and the linked terminal and provides services related to the image forming apparatus; and a control unit, wherein the control unit performs: a first acquisition process to acquire the input status of registration information for subscribing to the service from the image forming apparatus or the linked terminal; a second acquisition process to acquire history information of image forming by the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus or the linked terminal; a determination process to determine whether a predetermined change related to image forming by the image forming apparatus is included in the history information acquired in the second acquisition process if the input status acquired in the first acquisition process indicates an interrupted state of input of the registration information; and a notification process to notify the image forming apparatus or the linked terminal to resume input of the registration information if the determination process determines that the predetermined change is included in the history information.

[0010] The second and third embodiments produce the same effects as the first embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram of Service System 1. [Figure 2] This is a timing chart for processing subscription services. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of the service processing performed on service server 5. [Figure 4] This figure shows input form 71 for entering registration information. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual diagram of Table 55 stored in the memory unit. [Figure 6] This figure shows input form 72 when the input status is in a paused state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] A service system 1 and a service server 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the service system 1 comprises a terminal device 2, an image forming apparatus 3, a management server 4, and a service server 5. The terminal device 2, the image forming apparatus 3, the management server 4, and the service server 5 are configured to communicate with each other via a WAN 6 (Wide Area Network). In this embodiment, the WAN 6 is the Internet.

[0014] Service System 1 provides a subscription service to users of the image forming apparatus 3. Under this subscription service, users of the image forming apparatus 3 pay a fixed fee to receive various services related to the image forming apparatus 3 for a set period. These services include, for example, an automated delivery of cartridges containing consumables used for printing, allowing the image forming apparatus 3 to print up to a predetermined amount.

[0015] Terminal device 2 is a personal computer. Terminal device 2 comprises a control unit 20, a communication unit 23, a storage unit 24, a display unit 25, and an input unit 26. The control unit 20 has a CPU 21 and a memory 22. The CPU 21 controls terminal device 2 by executing programs stored in the memory 22. The memory 22 is a semiconductor memory such as ROM, RAM, or flash memory.

[0016] The communication unit 23 is a communication module for data communication via WAN 6. The storage unit 24 is a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various types of data. The display unit 25 is a liquid crystal display that displays various types of information. The input unit 26 is a keyboard, mouse, etc., which outputs detection signals to the control unit 20 in response to user input operations.

[0017] Image forming apparatus 3 is an inkjet printer that uses cartridges to perform printing. The cartridges contain ink. Image forming apparatus 3 comprises a housing 38, a control unit 30, a communication unit 33, a storage unit 34, a display unit 35, an input unit 36, and an image forming unit 37. The housing 38 houses the control unit 30, the communication unit 33, the storage unit 34, and the image forming unit 37. A label 39 is attached to the housing 38. The label 39 indicates an identification number used by the management server 4 and the service server 5 to identify and manage image forming apparatus 3.

[0018] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 31 and a memory 32. The CPU 31 controls the image forming apparatus 3 by executing a program stored in the memory 32. The memory 32 is a semiconductor memory such as ROM, RAM, or flash memory.

[0019] The communication unit 33 is a communication module that performs data communication via the WAN 6. The storage unit 34 is a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD, and stores various data. The display unit 35 is a liquid crystal display disposed in the housing 38, and displays various information. The input unit 36 is a switch installed in the housing 38. The input unit 36 outputs a detection signal corresponding to a user's input operation to the control unit 30.

[0020] The image forming unit 37 has a head. The image forming unit 37 forms an image on the medium 7 with the head. The medium 7 is, for example, cut paper. The image forming unit 37 uses the ink stored in the cartridge for image formation on the medium 7. The ink stored in the cartridge is a consumable material consumed in image formation.

[0021] The management server 4 includes a control unit 40, a communication unit 43, and a storage unit 44. The control unit 40 has a CPU 41 and a memory 42. The CPU 41 controls the management server 4 by executing the program stored in the memory 42. The memory 42 is a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, RAM, or flash memory.

[0022] The communication unit 43 is a communication module that performs data communication via the WAN 6. The storage unit 44 is a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD, and stores various data.

[0023] The service server 5 includes a control unit 50, a communication unit 53, and a storage unit 54. The control unit 50 has a CPU 51 and a memory 52. The CPU 51 controls the service server 5 by executing the program stored in the memory 52. The memory 52 is a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, RAM, or flash memory, and stores various programs such as the service program 59 described later.

[0024] The communication unit 53 is a communication module that performs data communication via WAN 6. The storage unit 54 is a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 54 stores various data such as the table 55 and input form 71, which will be described later.

[0025] Referring to Figure 2, the processing related to the subscription service performed by the service system 1 will be described in chronological order. When the control unit 20 of the terminal device 2 detects a startup instruction, it starts the program stored in memory 22 and executes terminal processing. The startup instruction is input to the user via the input unit 26 and is an instruction to start an application related to the image forming apparatus 3.

[0026] The control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 3 starts the program stored in memory 32 and executes the image forming process when the power to the image forming apparatus 3 is turned ON. The control unit 40 of the management server 4 starts the program stored in memory 42 and executes the management process when the power to the management server 4 is turned ON. The control unit 50 of the service server 5 starts the service program 59 stored in memory 52 and executes the service process shown in Figure 3 when the power to the service server 5 is turned ON.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, terminal device 2 requests image forming apparatus 3 to register its email address as part of the initial setup of image forming apparatus 3 (S1). In process S1, the email address entered via the input unit 26 of terminal device 2 is transmitted to image forming apparatus 3. Image forming apparatus 3 registers the email address by storing the received email address in the storage unit 34.

[0028] Terminal device 2 makes a registration request to management server 4 regarding the identification number of the image forming apparatus 3 (S3). The user checks label 39 and performs the operation of entering the identification number into input unit 26. In process S3, the identification number entered via input unit 26 is transmitted from terminal device 2 to management server 4.

[0029] The management server 4 registers the identification number by storing the identification number received from the terminal device 2 in the storage unit 44.

[0030] When a user subscribes to a subscription service, terminal device 2 sends a registration request to service server 5 regarding the email address of terminal device 2 (S5). In process S5, the email address entered via input unit 26 is sent to service server 5. The email address in S1 and the email address in S5 are the same email address.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 50 of the service server 5 determines whether or not it has received an email address from the terminal device 2 (S31). If the control unit 50 determines that it has not received an email address from the terminal device 2 (S31: NO), it proceeds to S35.

[0032] If the control unit 50 determines that it has received an email address from the terminal device 2 (S31: YES), it registers the email address (S33). In the process of S33, the control unit 50 registers the email address by storing the received email address in the table 55 of the storage unit 54.

[0033] The control unit 50 sends an email to the terminal device 2 recommending that it subscribe to the subscription service (S7). The email sent in S7 contains a hyperlink to connect to the input form 71 shown in Figure 4.

[0034] Input form 71 includes multiple input boxes 73 and 79. Input box 73 accepts registration information for subscribing to a subscription service. This registration information includes, for example, the subscription plan, name, date of birth, and credit card information. The subscription plan indicates the amount required to receive the subscription service and the services provided in accordance with that amount. The types and number of registration information fields may be changed as appropriate.

[0035] Input box 79 accepts information that is not essential for subscribing to the subscription service. The information accepted by input box 79 is, for example, a questionnaire about the subscription service. The control unit 50 moves the process to S35.

[0036] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the user enters registration information into the input form 71 via the input unit 26. The terminal device 2 sends the status of the registration information received in the multiple input boxes 73 of the input form 71 to the service server 5 (S9). For example, the terminal device 2 uses JavaScript (registered trademark) to send the status of the registration information received in the input boxes 73 to the service server 5.

[0037] The status of registration information input indicates one of three states: joined, suspended, or not performed. The joined state is when all input boxes 73 have accepted registration information, but the input has not been confirmed. In this embodiment, the joined state is when all input boxes 73 have accepted registration information, and the confirmation button 78 shown in Figure 4 has not been accepted. The confirmation button 78 accepts the operation to confirm the registration information received in input boxes 73 and 79.

[0038] The "interrupted" state indicates that some input boxes 73 are not accepting registration information, and the input of registration information is interrupted. The "not performed" state indicates that all input boxes 73 are not accepting registration information. The input status for the "subscribed" and "interrupted" states includes one or more pieces of registration information.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 50 determines whether or not it has obtained the registration information input status from the terminal device 2 (S35). If the control unit 50 determines that it has not obtained the registration information input status from the terminal device 2 (S35: NO), it proceeds to S37.

[0040] If the control unit 50 determines that it has obtained the input status of registration information from the terminal device 2 (S35: YES), it stores the registration information included in the input status in the table 55 shown in Figure 5 (S11). The table 55 in Figure 5 stores the registration information when the input status is in an interrupted state. If the input box 73 has not accepted any registration information, the corresponding column in the table 55 will be a Null value. The control unit 50 then proceeds to S37.

[0041] The control unit 50 determines whether the input status is in a subscription state based on the table 55 (S37). If the control unit 50 determines that all registration information has been stored and the input has been confirmed in the table 55 and that the input status is in a subscription state (S37: YES), it provides a subscription service for the image forming apparatus 3 (S13). The image forming apparatus 3 stores in the storage unit 34 that the input status is in a subscription state.

[0042] If the control unit 50 determines that not all registration information has been stored in table 55 and the input status is not in a joined state (S37: NO), it proceeds to S39.

[0043] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, terminal device 2 issues an image forming instruction to image forming apparatus 3 when image forming is performed by image forming apparatus 3 (S15). In process S15, image data input via input unit 26 is transmitted to image forming apparatus 3.

[0044] Upon receiving an image forming instruction, the image forming apparatus 3 forms an image on the medium 7 based on the image data (S17). Once image forming is complete, the image forming apparatus 3 transmits the image forming history to the management server 4. The image forming history includes information such as the number of media 7 on which images were formed and the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge after image formation. The management server 4 retrieves the image forming history from the image forming apparatus 3 and stores the print history in the storage unit 44 (S19).

[0045] When the image forming apparatus 3 forms a predetermined number of images within a month, the management server 4 sends an arrival notification to the image forming apparatus 3 indicating that the predetermined number of images have been formed within a month (S21). In processing S21, the management server 4 sends the arrival notification based on the information of the number of image-formed media 7 included in the image formation history.

[0046] If the image forming apparatus 3 receives a notification of arrival while the input status is not in a subscription state, it sends a request to the service server 5 (S23). The request sent in S23 is a request to the service server 5 to prompt the user to subscribe to the subscription service because the image forming apparatus 3 has formed a predetermined number of images in one month. The request sent in S23 includes the email address of the terminal device 2 stored in the storage unit 34.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 50 determines whether or not it has received a request from the image forming apparatus 3 (S39). If the control unit 50 determines that it has not received a request from the image forming apparatus 3 (S39: NO), it returns to processing S31.

[0048] If the control unit 50 determines that it has received a request from the image forming apparatus 3 (S39: YES), it determines whether the subscription status is in a suspended state (S41).

[0049] If the control unit 50 determines that the subscription status is not in the "unsubscribed" state and not in the "suspended" state (S41: NO), it sends a reminder email to the terminal device 2 to prompt the user to enter registration information (S25). The email sent in S25 contains a hyperlink to connect to the input form 71 shown in Figure 4. The control unit 50 returns to processing in S31.

[0050] If the control unit 50 determines that the subscription status is in a suspended state (S41:YES), it executes the calculation process (S27).

[0051] The control unit 50 calculates benefit information related to the benefits of subscribing to the subscription service during the calculation process. In this embodiment, the benefit information is the difference between the cost of forming a predetermined number of images while subscribed to the subscription service and the cost of forming a predetermined number of images while not subscribed to the subscription service.

[0052] Furthermore, the control unit 50 calculates the required time based on the table 55 during the calculation process. The required time is the time needed to input the registration information that has not yet been entered.

[0053] The control unit 50 generates an input form 72 shown in Figure 6 to prompt the user to resume entering registration information (S43). The table 55 shown in Figure 5 stores the registration information entered in the input box 73. As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 50 generates the input form 72 by attaching the registration information entered in the input box 73 to the input form 71 based on the table 55. When the control unit 50 generates the input form 72, it further attaches a profit information notification 74, which shows the profit information calculated in S27, to the input form 72. When the control unit 50 generates the input form 72, it further attaches a required time notification 75, which shows the required time calculated in S27, to the input form 72. When the control unit 50 generates the input form 72, it further attaches an input method notification 76 to the input form 72. The input method notification 76 indicates the input method for registration information that has not yet been entered.

[0054] The control unit 50 sends a reminder email to the terminal device 2 to prompt it to resume entering registration information (S29). The email sent in S29 contains a hyperlink to connect to the input form 72 shown in Figure 6. The control unit 50 returns the process to S31.

[0055] As explained above, the control unit 50 of the service server 5 obtains the registration information input status from the terminal device 2 (S35). The control unit 50 obtains a request from the image forming apparatus 3 (S39). The request indicates that the image forming apparatus 3 has formed a predetermined number of images in one month. By obtaining the request, the control unit 50 determines that the image forming apparatus 3 has formed the predetermined number of images in one month, even if the input status is interrupted. The control unit 50 sends a reminder email to the terminal device 2 (S29). The reminder email contains a hyperlink to connect to the input form 72, which prompts the user to resume inputting registration information. According to this, the service server 5, upon determining that the image forming apparatus 3 has formed a predetermined number of images in one month, notifies users whose registration information input status is interrupted to encourage them to resume inputting registration information. Therefore, the service server 5 contributes to preventing users from remaining unsubscribed to the subscription service.

[0056] The control unit 50 sends a reminder email to the terminal device 2 when the image forming apparatus 3 has formed a predetermined number of images. This allows the service server 5 to prompt the user to resume entering registration information once the image forming apparatus 3 has formed the predetermined number of images.

[0057] When the image forming apparatus 3 forms a predetermined number of images within a month, it sends a reminder email to the terminal device 2. This allows the service server 5 to prompt the user to resume entering registration information once the image forming apparatus 3 has formed a predetermined number of images within a month.

[0058] The input form 72 includes a benefit information notification 74. The benefit information notification 74 shows the benefits of joining the subscription service. According to this, the service server 5 notifies the user who interrupted entering registration information about the benefits of joining the service. Therefore, the service server 5 helps to encourage the user to resume entering registration information.

[0059] The input form 72 includes an input method notification 76. The input method notification 76 indicates how to enter the registration information that has not yet been entered. According to this, the service server 5 notifies the user who has interrupted entering the registration information how to enter the registration information. Thus, the service server 5 contributes to prompting the user to resume entering the registration information.

[0060] The input form 72 includes a time requirement notification 75. The time requirement notification 75 indicates the time needed to enter the registration information that has not yet been entered. According to this, the service server 5 notifies the user who has interrupted entering the registration information of the time needed to enter the registration information. Therefore, the service server 5 contributes to prompting the user to resume entering the registration information.

[0061] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various modified forms. The present invention can be realized in various forms, such as a non-temporary computer-readable medium such as a semiconductor memory on which the service program 59 is recorded, or a service system 1.

[0062] The configuration of service system 1 may be modified as appropriate. For example, service server 5 may consist of multiple physical servers. Service server 5 may consist of one or more virtual servers from among multiple virtual servers created by dividing a single physical server using virtualization software.

[0063] The number of terminal devices 2 provided by service system 1 may be changed as appropriate. Terminal devices 2 of service system 1 may be tablet devices, smartphones, etc.

[0064] The image forming apparatus 3 of service system 1 may be a multifunction printer, copier, and facsimile machine that have a scanner function for reading images from originals. The image forming apparatus 3 may also be a printing device such as a laser printer and an LED printer. An LED printer refers to one in which the means for exposing the photosensitive material is an LED head. In this case, the consumable material is toner. The medium 7 on which image formation is performed by the image forming apparatus 3 may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3. The medium 7 may be, for example, thermal roll paper.

[0065] The service program 59, which includes instructions for executing service processing, only needs to be stored in memory 52 before the control unit 50 executes the service program 59. Therefore, the method of acquiring the service program 59, the acquisition route, and the device that stores the service program 59 can each be changed as appropriate. The service program 59 may also be received from another device via cable or wireless communication and stored in memory 52. ​​Other devices include, for example, personal computers and servers connected via a network. The same applies to programs for executing terminal processing, programs for executing image forming processing, and programs for executing management processing.

[0066] Each step of the service program 59 is not limited to being performed by the control unit 50; some or all of them may be performed by other electronic devices (e.g., ASICs). The same applies to terminal processing, image forming processing, and management processing.

[0067] Each step of terminal processing, image formation processing, management processing, and service processing may be distributed and processed by multiple electronic devices (e.g., multiple CPUs). The order of each step of terminal processing, image formation processing, management processing, and service processing can be changed, steps can be omitted, and additional steps can be added as needed.

[0068] In the above embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 3 forms a predetermined number of images in one month, the image forming apparatus 3 sends a request to the service server 5. When the service server 5 receives the request, it determines that the image forming apparatus 3 has formed a predetermined number of images in one month. Alternatively, the service server 5 may obtain information on the number of media 7 images formed from the image forming apparatus 3, regardless of the status of the registration information input. In this case, the control unit 50 may determine that the image forming apparatus 3 has formed a predetermined number of images in one month based on the information on the number of media 7 images obtained from the image forming apparatus 3.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the input status is one of three states: joined, suspended, and not implemented. In contrast, the input status may be two or more states depending on the input of registration information. For example, the input status may include four states: joined, first suspended, second suspended, and not implemented. The first suspended state is a state in which more registration information has been entered than in the second suspended state. The input form for the first suspended state and the input form for the second suspended state may be the same or different.

[0070] The control unit 50 may send reminder emails multiple times. In this case, the length of time between sending the previous reminder email and sending the current reminder email, and the length of time between sending the current reminder email and sending the next reminder email, may be the same or different.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the control unit 50 encouraged the user to subscribe to the subscription service by sending a reminder email, but it is not limited to this. The control unit 50 may, for example, send image data of the input form 72 to the image forming apparatus 3. In this case, the user is prompted to subscribe to the subscription service by the medium 7 on which the image forming apparatus 3 has formed an image based on the image data received from the service server 5.

[0072] The procedure for joining a subscription service is not limited to entering registration information into input forms 71 and 72. For example, the procedure for joining a subscription service may be carried out by sending an email containing the registration information to the service server 5.

[0073] The profit information notification 74, required time notification 75, and input method notification 76 in the above embodiment are examples and may be modified as appropriate. The input form 72 does not have to include the profit information notification 74. The input form 72 does not have to include the required time notification 75. The input form 72 does not have to include the input method notification 76. In the above embodiment, the profit information notification 74, required time notification 75, and input method notification 76 are notifications in text, but they may also be notifications using images, videos, or audio, for example.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the control unit 50 sent a reminder email to the terminal device 2 when the image forming apparatus 3 formed a predetermined number of images within one month. However, the period is not limited to one month and may be changed as appropriate, such as one week or three months. The control unit 50 may also send a reminder email to the terminal device 2 when the image forming apparatus 3 has formed a predetermined number of images, without setting a time period.

[0075] The control unit 50 may send a reminder email to the terminal device 2 when the remaining amount of consumable material consumed by the image forming apparatus 3 falls below a predetermined amount. In the above embodiment, the consumable material is ink, but the type of consumable material whose remaining amount is checked may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3. The remaining amount of consumable material that determines the timing of sending the reminder email may also be changed as appropriate. In this case, the service server 5 contributes to prompting the user to resume inputting registration information when the remaining amount of consumable material consumed by the image forming apparatus 3 falls below a predetermined amount.

[0076] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may send a reminder email to the terminal device 2 if the remaining amount of consumables falls below a predetermined amount within a predetermined period. The predetermined period may be one month as in the above embodiment, or it may be two weeks, six months, etc. In this case, the service server 5 contributes to prompting the user to resume entering registration information when the remaining amount of consumables falls below a predetermined amount within the predetermined period.

[0077] The control unit 50 may send a reminder email to the terminal device 2 if the image forming apparatus 3 performs the current image formation within a predetermined time since the previous image formation. The predetermined time is, for example, 50 hours or 3 days. In this case, the service server 5 contributes to prompting the user to resume inputting registration information when the image forming apparatus 3 performs the current image printing within a predetermined time since the previous image formation.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the control unit 50 obtained the input status from the terminal device 2, but it may also obtain it from the management server 4. The control unit 50 obtained a request from the image forming apparatus 3 indicating that the image forming apparatus 3 had formed a predetermined number of images in one month, but it may also obtain it from the management server 4. In this case, the processing in S23 is omitted. According to this, the service server 5, in cooperation with the management server 4, contributes to prompting the user to resume inputting registration information.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the control unit 50 obtained input status from the terminal device 2, but it may also obtain it from the image forming apparatus 3. The control unit 50 obtained a request from the image forming apparatus 3 indicating that the image forming apparatus 3 had formed a predetermined number of images in one month, but it may also obtain it from the terminal device 2.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the service server 5 acquired the input status of registration information transmitted from the terminal device 2. However, the service server 5 may proactively acquire the input status of registration information. For example, the service server 5 may periodically access the input form 71 based on the session from the terminal device 2 and acquire the input status of registration information.

[0081] The above modifications may be combined as appropriate, provided they are not contradictory. In addition to the combinations exemplified in the claims, the applicant intends to obtain patent rights for embodiments that combine each other in a manner that does not depart from the spirit of the present invention and is not contradictory.

[0082] Service Server 5 is an example of a service server of the present invention. Service Program 59 is an example of a service program of the present invention. Service System 1 is an example of a service system of the present invention. Control Unit 50 is an example of a control unit of the present invention. Image Forming Apparatus 3 is an example of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. Terminal Device 2 and Management Server 4 are examples of collaborative terminals of the present invention. The processing in S35 is an example of the first acquisition process and first acquisition step of the present invention. Image Forming History is an example of history information of the present invention. The processing in S39 is an example of the second acquisition process, determination process, second acquisition step and determination step of the present invention. The processing in S29 is an example of the notification process and notification step of the present invention. Ink is an example of a consumable material of the present invention. One month is an example of a predetermined period of time of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1: Service system, 2: Terminal device, 3: Image forming apparatus, 4: Management server, 5: Service server, 20, 30, 40, 50: Control unit, 55: Table, 59: Service program, 71, 72: Input form, 74: Profit information notification, 75: Required time notification, 76: Input method notification

Claims

1. A service server equipped with a control unit that provides services related to an image forming apparatus, The control unit, A first acquisition process that acquires the status of input of registration information for subscribing to the service from the image forming apparatus or a linked terminal linked to the image forming apparatus, A second acquisition process for acquiring image formation history information by the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus or the linked terminal, If the input status obtained in the first acquisition process is in a state of interruption of the input of the registration information, a determination process is performed to determine whether or not the history information obtained in the second acquisition process includes a predetermined change related to image formation by the image forming apparatus, If the determination process determines that the history information includes the predetermined change, a notification process is performed to prompt the image forming apparatus or the linked terminal to resume input of the registered information. A service server characterized by performing the following actions.

2. The service server according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined change is that the image forming apparatus has formed a predetermined number of images.

3. The service server according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined change is that the remaining amount of consumable material consumed by the image forming apparatus falls below a predetermined amount.

4. The service server according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined change is that the image forming apparatus performed the current image forming within a predetermined time elapsed since the previous image forming.

5. The service server according to claim 2, characterized in that the predetermined change is that the image forming apparatus has formed the predetermined number of images within a predetermined period.

6. The service server according to claim 3, characterized in that the predetermined change is that the remaining amount of the consumable falls below the predetermined amount within a predetermined period.

7. The notification process includes notification of benefit information relating to the benefits arising from the subscription to the service. A service server according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

8. The notification process includes notification of how to enter the registration information that has not been entered. A service server according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

9. The notification process includes a notification of the time required to enter the registration information that has not yet been entered. A service server according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

10. The aforementioned linked terminal is a management server for the image forming apparatus that manages the history information, The first acquisition process acquires the input status from the management server, The second acquisition process involves acquiring the history information from the management server. A service server according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

11. A computer that controls a service server that provides services related to an image forming apparatus, A first acquisition step involves obtaining the status of input of registration information for subscribing to the service from the image forming apparatus or a linked terminal that works in conjunction with the image forming apparatus, A second acquisition step involves acquiring image formation history information from the image forming apparatus or the linked terminal, If the input status obtained in the first acquisition step is in a state of interruption of the input of the registration information, a determination step is made to determine whether or not the history information obtained in the second acquisition step includes a predetermined change related to image formation by the image forming apparatus, If the determination step determines that the history information includes the predetermined change, a notification step is made to the image forming apparatus or the linked terminal to prompt it to resume inputting the registration information. A program to execute.

12. Image forming apparatus and A connecting terminal that works in conjunction with the aforementioned image forming apparatus, A service server that can communicate with the image forming apparatus and the linked terminal and provides services related to the image forming apparatus, Control unit and A service system that includes, The control unit, A first acquisition process that acquires the input status of registration information for subscribing to the service from the image forming apparatus or the linked terminal, A second acquisition process for acquiring image formation history information by the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus or the linked terminal, If the input status obtained in the first acquisition process is in a state of interruption of the input of the registration information, a determination process is performed to determine whether or not the history information obtained in the second acquisition process includes a predetermined change related to image formation by the image forming apparatus, If the determination process determines that the history information includes the predetermined change, a notification process is performed to prompt the image forming apparatus or the linked terminal to resume input of the registered information. A service system characterized by performing the following actions.

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