Information processing device and application software

Abstract

To provide a new technique in a technique to purchase a function of an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises a receiving unit and a providing unit. The receiving unit receives an instruction to purchase a function of an image forming apparatus. The providing unit provides execution information to a portable terminal when the receiving unit receives the function purchase instruction. The execution information is information for downloading a target application and executing the target application. The target application is application software for purchasing the function of the image forming apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and application software for a mobile terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a user purchases a function for an image forming device and activates the purchased function. Specifically, in the system described in Patent Document 1, a user selects a function that the image forming device can execute on a terminal device. Then, a billing process is executed, and the terminal device receives a code from a server. Then, when the user inputs the code into the image forming device, the function of the image forming device is activated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-151700 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a novel approach to purchasing capabilities of an image forming device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device including a receiving unit and a providing unit. The receiving unit receives an instruction to purchase a function of an image forming device. The providing unit provides execution information to a mobile terminal when the receiving unit receives the instruction to purchase the function. The execution information is information for downloading a target application and executing the target application. The target application is application software (hereinafter referred to as "app") for purchasing a function of the image forming device.

[0006] According to this configuration, a novel method for purchasing the functions of an image forming apparatus can be provided. Another aspect of the present disclosure is an app for a mobile terminal. The app is an app for purchasing a function of an image forming apparatus. When the image forming apparatus accepts a function purchase instruction, execution information is provided from a predetermined information processing device to the mobile terminal. The execution information is information for downloading the app and executing the app. The app is downloaded to the mobile terminal and executed on the condition that the execution information is provided from the information processing device to the mobile terminal.

[0007] According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the information processing device can be achieved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing how a printer function is enabled. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the registration information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the start-up screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the function list screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the details screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a home screen displayed on the display unit of the printer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. Configuration] 1, the communication system 1 includes a printer 10, a mobile terminal 20, a management server 30, an EC (abbreviation of Electronic Commerce) server 40, and an application server 50. The management server 30, the EC server 40, and the application server 50 are installed on the Internet 60. The devices 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 can communicate with each other via the Internet 60. Note that the communication system 1 generally includes multiple printers 10 and mobile terminals 20, but for the sake of convenience, FIG. 1 shows one printer 10 and one mobile terminal 20. <Printer> The printer 10 is an image forming device capable of forming an image on a print medium, and includes an operation unit 11, a display unit 12, a communication unit 13, a print execution unit 14, a scan execution unit 15, and a control unit 16.

[0010] The operation unit 11 includes a plurality of keys. A user can input various instructions to the printer 10 by operating the operation unit 11. The display unit 12 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 12 also functions as a so-called touch panel. That is, the display unit 12 also functions as an operation unit operated by a user. Hereinafter, the operation unit 11 and the operation unit realized by the display unit 12 will be collectively referred to as the "operation unit 11."

[0011] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface for connecting the printer 10 to the Internet 60. The communication unit 13 also includes a communication interface for performing short-distance wireless communication. Examples of short-distance wireless communication include wireless communication according to the Bluetooth (hereinafter referred to as "BT") communication standard, wireless communication according to the Bluetooth Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as "BLE") communication standard, and wireless communication according to the NFC communication standard. The printer 10 performs wireless communication with devices such as the mobile terminal 20 using these short-distance wireless communication standards. Note that "Bluetooth" is a registered trademark. Also, "NFC" is an abbreviation for "Near Field Communication."

[0012] The print execution unit 14 realizes a print function. That is, the print execution unit 14 has a printing mechanism using inkjet technology or electrophotography technology. The print execution unit 14 can print an image based on image data onto a print medium using the printing mechanism.

[0013] The scan execution unit 15 is a scanning mechanism such as a CCD or a CIS. The control unit 16 includes a CPU 161 and a memory 162. The CPU 161 is a processor that executes various processes in accordance with a program 163 stored in the memory 162. The memory 162 is composed of a RAM, a ROM, and the like.

[0014] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the printer 10 is sold with limited executable functions. Specifically, the printer 10 is sold with limited functions, such as only a print function, only a monochrome printing function, or only a predetermined number of sheets (for example, 100 sheets). Because of such functional limitations, the printer 10 is expected to be sold at a lower price than a normal printer (i.e., a printer without functional limitations). After purchasing the printer 10, the user additionally purchases necessary functions from among the functions of the printer 10. Examples of additional purchased functions include a color printing function and a cloud storage function. In addition, when the number of sheets that can be printed by the printer 10 is limited, a function for additionally purchasing the number of sheets that can be printed is included. Note that the cloud storage function is a function for storing scan data generated by the printer 10 in an external server on the Internet 60. In addition, purchasing a function of the printer 10 is a concept different from purchasing consumables such as ink and paper. <Mobile device> The mobile terminal 20 is an information device carried by a user. The mobile terminal 20 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. The mobile terminal 20 includes an operation unit 21, a display unit 22, a reading unit 23, a communication unit 24, and a control unit 25.

[0015] The operation unit 21 includes a plurality of keys. A user can input various instructions to the mobile terminal 20 by operating the operation unit 21. The display unit 22 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 22 also functions as a so-called touch panel. That is, the display unit 22 also functions as an operation unit operated by a user. Hereinafter, the operation unit 21 and the operation unit realized by the display unit 22 will be collectively referred to as the "operation unit 21."

[0016] The reading unit 23 includes a camera 23a, and reads code information from an image obtained by the camera 23a. The code information is encoded information. The code information may be a two-dimensional code such as a QR code, or a one-dimensional code such as a barcode. Note that "QR code" is a registered trademark.

[0017] The communication unit 24 is a communication interface for connecting the mobile terminal 20 to the Internet 60. The communication unit 24 also includes a communication interface for performing short-distance wireless communication. Examples of short-distance wireless communication include wireless communication conforming to the communication standards BT, BLE, and NFC. The mobile terminal 20 performs wireless communication with devices such as the printer 10 by using these short-distance wireless communications.

[0018] The control unit 25 includes a CPU 251 and a memory 252. The CPU 251 is a processor that executes various processes in accordance with programs such as an OS (abbreviation for operating system) 253 stored in the memory 252. The memory 252 is configured with a RAM, a ROM, etc. In this embodiment, the OS 253 is iOS (registered trademark) of Apple Inc. <Administration Server> The management server 30 is installed on the Internet 60 by the vendor of the printer 10, and is a server that manages the functions of the printer 10. The management server 30 includes a communication unit 31 and a control unit 32. The communication unit 31 is a communication interface for connecting the management server 30 to the Internet 60.

[0019] The control unit 32 includes a CPU 321 and a memory 322. The CPU 321 executes various processes in accordance with a program 323 stored in the memory 322. The memory 322 is configured with a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk, and the like. <ECサーバ> The EC server 40 is installed on the Internet 60 by a business entity (e.g., Apple Inc.) different from the vendor of the printer 10. The EC server 40 is a server that executes electronic commerce to provide various functions to the printer 10 in response to instructions from a user. The vendor of the printer 10 registers sales information of the printer's functions in advance in the EC server 40. The sales information includes information indicating each of the printer's functions, information on the price of each function, etc. <Application server> The application server 50 is installed on the Internet 60 by a business entity (such as Apple Inc.) different from the vendor of the printer 10. The application server 50 is a server that distributes a mobile application designated by a user via the mobile terminal 20 to the mobile terminal 20.

[0020] Here, an overview of a method for additionally purchasing functions for the printer 10 in the communication system 1 of this embodiment will be described. In the communication system 1 of this embodiment, the user purchases additional functions for the printer 10 using "App Clips."

[0021] Here, App Clips refers to a function that provides part of the functionality of an app when and where the user needs it, without the user having to download the app. In other words, an App Clip for a certain mobile app is a mini-app that is a snippet of part of the functionality of the mobile app. App Clips are apps with a relatively small capacity (e.g., 10 MB or less). For this reason, a user can download an App Clip in a short time when necessary, and use part of the functionality of the full app without having to download the full app (a normal, complete app). Note that App Clips are uploaded to the app server 50 in advance together with the full app.

[0022] App Clips are launched, for example, as follows. First, the launch conditions of the App Clip are met. There are various possible launch conditions, such as the mobile terminal 20 reading specific code information or receiving specific information via short-range wireless communication. When the launch conditions are met, a specific screen called "Clip Card" (hereinafter also referred to as the "launch screen") is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal. The Clip Card displays an overview of the functions provided by the App Clip, as well as a button for downloading and executing the App Clip (hereinafter referred to as the "launch button"). When the launch button is operated, downloading of the App Clip begins, and the App Clip is launched.

[0023] The App Clips and Clip Card are uploaded in advance together with the full application to the application server 50. When the start-up conditions are met, the mobile terminal 20 accesses the application server 50 and obtains the Clip Card and App Clips from the application server 50.

[0024] The above startup flow is for a case where the full application has not been downloaded to the mobile terminal 20. When the full application has been downloaded to the mobile terminal 20 and the above startup conditions are satisfied, the full application is started.

[0025] In the communication system 1 of this embodiment, the vendor of the printer 10 provides a mobile app MA (hereinafter also referred to as the "main app"), which is a full app. The mobile app MA is an app for causing the printer 10 to execute predetermined functions. The functions provided by the mobile app MA include a purchase function for purchasing additional functions of the printer 10. The user can use the purchase function, which is one function of the main app, by downloading App Clips (hereinafter also referred to as the "target app") TA of the mobile app MA. The user can purchase additional functions of the printer 10 without downloading the mobile app MA, which is a full app.

[0026] In addition to the purchasing function, the mobile app MA also includes a mobile print function, a mobile scan function, etc. The mobile print function is a function that causes the printer 10 to print an image indicated by image data sent from a mobile terminal to the printer 10. The mobile scan function is a function that causes the printer 10 to execute a scan function by sending an instruction to read a document from the mobile terminal to the printer 10.

[0027] [2. Processing] Next, the process executed by each of the devices 10 to 50 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 2. In the following, for ease of understanding, when describing the process executed by the CPU 161 of the printer 10 according to the program 163, the CPU 161 will not be described as the subject, but the printer 10 will be described as the subject. In addition, since all communications executed by the printer 10 are performed via the communication unit 13, the description "via the communication unit 13" will be omitted when describing the communications. Similarly, the mobile terminal 20 and the management server 30 will be described as the subject, and the descriptions "via the communication unit 24" and "via the communication unit 31" will be omitted. In addition, in order to clarify whether the process executed by the mobile terminal 20 is a process by the OS 253 or a process by the target application TA (App Clips), descriptions such as "the OS 253 of the mobile terminal 20" or "the target application TA of the mobile terminal 20" will be used.

[0028] First, the printer 10 accepts a function purchase instruction in S1. In this embodiment, the function purchase instruction is issued when a user operates a specific icon image on a home screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the printer 10. The home screen is a standby screen that waits for instructions from the user. It is also assumed that the user who operates the icon image in S1 has a mobile terminal 20 in his / her possession.

[0029] Next, in S2, the printer 10 transmits print information to the management server 30. The print information is information related to the printer 10, and in this embodiment, is information that includes at least the printer name of the printer 10. The printer name is information for identifying the printer 10. The printer name may include a value corresponding to the printer model and a value unique to each printer.

[0030] When the management server 30 receives the print information from the printer 10, in S3, it generates registration information. Then, the management server 30 stores (registers) the generated registration information in the memory 322.

[0031] Here, the registration information is information in which the printer name, supported function information, and purchase information are associated with each other, as shown in FIG. The printer name is as described above. In the registration information shown in Fig. 3, the printer name of the printer 10 is indicated as "MFC-XXXX_123456_AAA".

[0032] The supported function information is information indicating functions supported by the printer 10. In other words, functions supported by the printer 10 are functions of the printer 10 that become available through purchase by the user. The supported function information in this embodiment is information indicating whether the printer 10 is "supported" or "not supported" for each function. In the registration information shown in FIG. 3, cloud storage function, color printing function, etc. are indicated as functions supported by the printer 10.

[0033] The purchase information is information that indicates the purchase status (that is, whether or not purchased) of each function supported by the printer 10. In this embodiment, the management server 30 holds information in which the printer name and the supported function information are associated with each other for various printers sold by the vendor of the management server 30. When the management server 30 receives the printer name from the printer 10 in S2, the management server 30 refers to the information and acquires the corresponding supported function information. The management server 30 also manages purchase information for each printer sold by the vendor of the management server 30. When the management server 30 receives the printer name from the printer 10 in S2, the management server 30 acquires purchase information for the printer having the received printer name. Then, in S3, the management server 30 generates the registration information shown in FIG. 3 based on the printer name received from the printer 10 and the acquired supported function information and purchase information, and registers the generated registration information in the memory 322.

[0034] Once the registration information of the printer 10 is registered in the management server 30, thereafter, when the printer 10 receives a function purchase instruction in S1, the management server 30 only refers to the registration information in S3.

[0035] In S4, the management server 30 transmits function purchasing information to the printer 10. The function purchasing information here refers to information that includes both supported function information and purchasing information. When the printer 10 receives the function purchase information from the management server 30, it provides execution information to the mobile terminal 20 in S5.

[0036] The execution information is information for causing the mobile terminal 20 to download the target application TA and execute the target application TA. The execution information in this embodiment includes information of a URL for downloading the target application TA. The mobile terminal 20 can access the application server 50 using the URL and download the target application TA (App Clips).

[0037] In this embodiment, the printer 10 provides the execution information to the mobile terminal 20 by displaying code information such as a QR code including the execution information on the display unit 12. Then, the OS 253 of the mobile terminal 20 reads the code information with the reading unit 23 and acquires the execution information.

[0038] In this embodiment, the execution information includes function purchase information. Specifically, the function purchase information is included as a query parameter of a URL for downloading the target application TA included in the execution information. That is, the printer 10 provides the function purchase information to the mobile terminal 20 along with the execution information. Then, the mobile terminal 20 acquires the function purchase information along with the execution information. Note that the content of a screen (such as a function list screen B described below) displayed on the mobile terminal 20 when the target application TA is downloaded from the application server 50 changes depending on a query parameter corresponding to the function purchase information of the printer 10.

[0039] When the OS 253 of the mobile terminal 20 acquires the execution information, in S6, it transmits a download request for the start-up screen (Clip Card) of the target application TA to the application server 50, using the URL included in the execution information.

[0040] Next, the OS 253 of the mobile terminal 20 downloads the start-up screen of the target application TA from the application server 50 in S7. When the OS 253 of the mobile terminal 20 downloads the start-up screen of the target application TA, in S8, the OS 253 displays the start-up screen A shown in Fig. 4 on the display unit 22. The start-up screen A displays a header image A1 and an explanatory text A2 related to the target application TA, as well as a start button A3 for downloading and executing the target application TA (App Clips).

[0041] In S9, the OS 253 of the mobile terminal 20 accepts operation of the start button A3 from the user. In S10, the OS 253 of the mobile terminal 20 transmits a download request for the target application TA to the application server 50, using the URL included in the execution information.

[0042] The OS 253 of the mobile terminal 20 downloads the target application TA from the application server 50 in S11. Next, in S12, the OS 253 of the mobile terminal 20 executes (launches) the target application TA (App Clips).

[0043] When the target application TA of the mobile terminal 20 is started, in S13, the function list screen B shown in FIG. The function list screen B is a screen that displays a list of the functions of the printer 10. In this embodiment, the function list screen B displays a plurality of buttons B1, B2, etc., on which the names of the functions of the printer 10 (such as "cloud storage function" and "color printing function") are written. These buttons B1, B2, etc. are displayed side by side on the function list screen B. Furthermore, the function list screen B is displayed on the entire screen of the display unit 22. However, the display of the function list screen B is not limited to this, and the function list screen B may be displayed on a portion of the screen of the display unit 22.

[0044] Furthermore, on the function list screen B of this embodiment, functions that the printer 10 supports and functions that it does not support are displayed in a distinguishable manner. Similarly, purchased functions and unpurchased functions of the printer 10 are displayed in a distinguishable manner. For example, functions that the printer 10 does not support and purchased functions may not be displayed, or may be grayed out.

[0045] The display of this function list screen B is realized by the supported function information and purchase information that the printer 10 provides to the mobile terminal 20. That is, the function list screen B is displayed using the supported function information and purchase information, which are query parameters of the URL for downloading the target application TA.

[0046] In addition, the function list screen B may display not only the name of each function of the printer 10 but also a brief description of each function. In S14, the target application TA of the mobile terminal 20 accepts a user operation to select a function on the function list screen B.

[0047] In S15, the target application TA of the mobile terminal 20 displays a details screen C (see FIG. 6) related to the function selected in S14 on the display unit 22. The details screen C is a screen having details C1 of the operated function and a purchase button C2. The details C1 of the function here are more detailed descriptions of the functions than the descriptions of the functions displayed on the function list screen B (e.g., only the name of the function). The details C1 may be composed of at least one of text and images.

[0048] The target application TA holds a list of the printer's functions and information showing details of each function. Therefore, the target application TA can display a function list screen B showing a list of the printer 10's functions and a details screen C showing details of each function without accessing an external web server.

[0049] Next, in S16, the target application TA of the mobile terminal 20 accepts a function to be purchased. In S16, it is assumed that the purchase button C2 on the details screen C is operated. Next, in S17, the target application TA of the mobile terminal 20 transmits to the EC server 40 a purchase request for the function for which the purchase button C2 was operated in S16 (hereinafter referred to as the “target function”).

[0050] When the EC server 40 receives a purchase request from the mobile terminal 20, the EC server 40 executes a purchase process for the target function in S18. In the purchase process, the sales information stored in the EC server 40 is referenced, and the price of the target function is acquired. Then, the acquired price is charged to the user, and the charged amount is paid.

[0051] Next, in S19, the EC server 40 transmits a purchase completion notification indicating that the purchase of the target function has been completed to the mobile terminal 20. In this embodiment, the purchase completion notification includes payment completion information indicating a payment ID.

[0052] When the target application TA of the mobile terminal 20 receives a purchase completion notification from the EC server 40, in S20 it transmits an activation request for requesting activation of the target function to the management server 30. The activation request includes the printer name of the printer 10 (i.e., the printer whose function is to be activated), information capable of identifying the target function, and the payment information received in S19.

[0053] Next, when the management server 30 receives an activation request from the mobile terminal 20, in S21 it transmits an activation command to the printer 10. The activation command is a command for activating the target function in the printer 10. Furthermore, when the management server 30 receives an activation request from the mobile terminal 20, it changes the purchase information of the target function in the registration information of the printer 10 to "purchased."

[0054] When the printer 10 receives the activation command from the management server 30, the printer 10 activates the target function in S22, thereby enabling the user to use the additionally purchased function. [3. Effects] According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following effects are achieved.

[0055] (1) In this embodiment, the management server 30 accepts a function purchase instruction at S1 and S2 via the printer 10. Then, when the management server 30 accepts the function purchase instruction, the management server 30 provides execution information to the mobile terminal 20 via the printer 10 at S4 and S5. The execution information is information for downloading a target application TA and executing the target application TA. Furthermore, the target application TA is an application for purchasing a function of the printer 10. Therefore, a novel method for purchasing a function of the printer 10 can be provided.

[0056] (2) In this embodiment, in S20, the management server 30 receives an activation request indicating the purchase of a function of the printer 10 from the mobile terminal 20 that has downloaded the target application TA. Then, when the management server 30 receives the activation request, in S21, the management server 30 activates the function of the printer 10.

[0057] Therefore, for example, when a user purchases a function of the printer 10, the reliability of enabling the function of the printer 10 can be improved compared to a configuration in which the user obtains a password for enabling the function of the printer 10 and inputs the password into the printer 10. In addition, since the function is enabled without the user having to input a password, user convenience can be improved.

[0058] (3) In this embodiment, the target application TA is an application that provides some of the functions of the main application MA. The main application MA is a predetermined application that can be executed on the mobile terminal 20. In particular, the main application MA is an application that causes the printer 10 to execute a predetermined function.

[0059] Therefore, the function of the printer 10 can be purchased by using the target application TA without downloading the main application MA. Therefore, compared to the case where the function of the printer 10 is purchased by downloading the main application MA, the function of the printer 10 can be purchased more easily and quickly.

[0060] (4) In this embodiment, in S4 and S5, the management server 30 provides the supported function information and purchase information to the mobile terminal 20 via the printer 10. The supported function information and purchase information are used to display functions supported by the printer 10 and purchased functions in the target application TA.

[0061] Therefore, the user can easily grasp the functions supported by the printer 10 and the purchase status of each function. This improves user convenience. In addition, the communication cost of the mobile terminal 20 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the mobile terminal 20 separately inquires the management server 30 about the supported function information and the purchase information.

[0062] (5) In the present embodiment, the execution information includes supported function information and purchase information as parameters. Therefore, the supported function information and purchase information are provided to the mobile terminal 20 together with information for downloading and executing the target application TA. Therefore, the communication cost of the mobile terminal 20 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which only information for downloading and executing the target application TA is provided to the mobile terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 20 separately inquires of the management server 30 about the supported function information and purchase information.

[0063] (6) In this embodiment, the function purchase instruction to the printer 10 in S1 is a user's selection of a specific icon image displayed on the display unit 12 of the printer 10. Therefore, if the user selects an icon image, the target application TA can be downloaded and executed, and the function of the printer 10 can be purchased. This improves user convenience.

[0064] (7) In this embodiment, the purchasable features of the printer 10 include both color printing and cloud storage features. Thus, the novel approach of this disclosure allows the purchase of both the color printing and cloud storage features of the printer 10.

[0065] (8) In this embodiment, the management server 30 provides the execution information to the mobile terminal 20 by displaying the code information on the display unit 12 of the printer 10. Therefore, if the mobile terminal 20 has a reading unit 23 capable of reading the code information, the target application TA can be downloaded and executed.

[0066] (9) In this embodiment, the target application TA is executed by operating the start-up screen A (see FIG. 4) displayed on the display unit 22 of the mobile terminal 20. Therefore, the target application TA is not downloaded and executed unless the user operates the start-up screen A. Therefore, the user can determine whether or not to download and execute the target application TA.

[0067] (10) In this embodiment, the target application TA receives supported function information and purchase information from the management server 30 via the printer 10. Then, the target application TA displays the function list screen B according to the received supported function information and purchase information. This makes it easier for the user to understand the functions supported by the printer 10 and the purchase status of the functions. This improves user convenience.

[0068] (11) In this embodiment, when a function displayed on the function list screen B is operated, the target application TA displays the details screen C on the display unit 22. Therefore, the user can purchase the function after checking the details of the function to be purchased. This improves user convenience.

[0069] In this embodiment, the management server 30 corresponds to an information processing device, the printer 10 corresponds to an image forming device, the activation request corresponds to purchase information, the target application TA corresponds to application software, and the start-up screen A corresponds to a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal. S1 and S2 correspond to the process of the reception unit, S4 and S5 correspond to the process of the provision unit, S5 corresponds to the process of the function reception process, S13 corresponds to the process of the list display process, and S15 corresponds to the process of the detail display process. S17 corresponds to the process of the purchase transmission process, S19 corresponds to the process of the completion reception process, S20 corresponds to the process of the activation transmission process and the reception unit, and S21 corresponds to the process of the activation unit.

[0070] 5. Other embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0071] (1) In the above embodiment, the management server 30 is exemplified as the information processing device, but the information processing device is not limited to this. The information processing device may be the printer 10. In this case, the printer 10 corresponds to the information processing device and the image forming device, the activation command corresponds to the purchase information, S1 corresponds to the processing as the reception unit, S5 corresponds to the processing as the provision unit, S21 corresponds to the processing as the reception unit, and S22 corresponds to the processing as the activation unit. Note that when the information processing device is the printer 10, the management server 30 does not need to exist.

[0072] (2) In the above embodiment, the printer 10 may download a function purchased by the user from the management server 30, thereby enabling the function. (3) In the above embodiment, the details screen C may not be displayed. In this case, for example, only a brief description of each function may be provided on the function list screen B shown in Fig. 5, and a purchase request for the function may be transmitted when each function is operated on the function list screen B.

[0073] (4) In the above embodiment, the printer 10 may provide the code information to the mobile terminal 20 by printing the code information on a print medium such as paper. (5) In the above embodiment, the printer 10 provides the execution information to the mobile terminal 20 by displaying the code information on the display unit 12, but the method of providing the execution information is not limited to this. For example, the printer 10 may provide the execution information to the mobile terminal 20 by transmitting the execution information to the mobile terminal 20 via the communication unit 13 using short-range wireless communication such as BT, BLE, or NFC.

[0074] (6) In the above embodiment, only either the color printing function or the cloud storage function may be available for purchase. Also, functions other than the color printing function and the cloud storage function may be available for purchase. For example, a double-sided printing function or an Nin1 printing function may be available for purchase. The Nin1 printing function is a function that prints N pages (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) of images on one sheet of printing media.

[0075] (7) In the above embodiment, when the OS 253 of the mobile terminal 20 acquires execution information from the printer 10, the OS 253 may download the target application TA from the application server 50 and execute the target application TA without displaying the startup screen A (Clip Card).

[0076] (8) In the above embodiment, App Clips are given as an example of the target application TA, but the target application TA is not limited to this. The target application TA may be, for example, Google's "Instant Apps," etc.

[0077] (9) In the above embodiment, the printer 10 may store at least one of the supported function information and the purchase information of the printer 10. Then, in S2, the printer 10 may transmit printer information including the printer name and at least one of the supported function information and the purchase information to the management server 30. Then, in S3, the management server 30 may generate registration information based on the printer name, the supported function information, and the purchase information received from the printer 10. Also, in this case, in S4, function purchase information including information not stored in the printer 10 among the supported function information and the purchase information may be transmitted from the management server 30 to the printer 10.

[0078] (10) In S20 of the above embodiment, the mobile terminal 20 may send the activation request directly to the printer 10, instead of to the management server 30. Then, the printer 10 may activate the function when receiving the activation request from the mobile terminal 20.

[0079] (11) In the above embodiment, the registration process (S3) of the registration information is executed after the function purchase instruction is accepted (S1), but the timing at which the registration process is executed is not limited to this. For example, the registration process may be executed before S1. In this case, for example, the registration process may be executed when the printer 10 is purchased, when the printer 10 is started for the first time, when the printer 10 is connected for the first time to the management server 30, etc. Alternatively, in the case where the management server 30 manages the printer by linking the printer with the user ID of the printer, the registration process may be executed when the printer and the user ID are linked.

[0080] In these cases, S4 may be executed after S1 and S2 in the above embodiment, omitting S3. Alternatively, instead of S3 (registration process), the management server 30 may check whether the supported function information and purchased function information received from the printer 10 match the supported function information and purchased function information that have already been registered. After that, S4 may be executed.

[0081] (12) In S5 of the above embodiment, the printer 10 provides the mobile terminal 20 with the supported function information and purchased function information together with the execution information, but the printer 10 may provide only the execution information to the mobile terminal 20. In this case, for example, the mobile terminal 20 may acquire the execution information including the printer name in S5, transmit the acquired printer name to the management server 30, and acquire the supported function information and purchased function information of the printer 10 from the management server 30. In other words, it is sufficient that the mobile terminal 20 is able to acquire the supported function and purchased function information at the stage when the function list screen B is displayed on the display unit 22 in response to execution of the target application TA.

[0082] (13) In the above embodiment, the management server 30 may transmit information (such as a password) for enabling a function of the printer 10 to the mobile terminal 20. The function of the printer 10 may be enabled by the user inputting the password or the like into the printer 10. In this case, the transmission of an enablement request from the mobile terminal 20 to the management server 30 (S20) and the transmission of an enablement command from the management server 30 to the printer 10 (S21) may not be executed. In addition, the management server 30 may synchronize the function enablement status with the printer 10 as necessary.

[0083] (14) In the above embodiment, in S19, the mobile terminal 20 receives the purchase completion notification directly from the EC server 40, but the path by which the mobile terminal 20 receives the purchase completion notification is not limited to this. For example, the purchase completion notification may be received by the mobile terminal 20 via the management server 30. In addition, the payment completion information may be received by the mobile terminal 20 via a server of a company that provides a payment service other than the vendor of the EC server 40.

[0084] (15) In S19 of the above embodiment, the purchase completion notification is sent from the EC server 40 to the mobile terminal 20, but the destination of the purchase completion notification is not limited to the mobile terminal 20. For example, the purchase completion notification may be sent from the EC server 40 to the management server 30. Then, when the management server 30 receives the purchase completion notification from the EC server 40, it may send an activation command to the printer 10.

[0085] In this case, for example, in S17, the target application TA of the mobile terminal 20 transmits, together with the purchase request, information capable of uniquely identifying the purchase request (hereinafter referred to as the "purchase request ID") to the EC server 40. In addition, the target application TA of the mobile terminal 20 separately transmits the same purchase request ID, the printer name of the printer 10, and information identifying the function to be purchased to the management server 30. Then, when the management server 30 receives from the EC server 40 a purchase completion notification related to the purchase request ID received from the mobile terminal 20, the management server 30 may transmit an activation command to the printer 10, assuming that the purchase of the function is completed.

[0086] (16) In the above embodiment, functions are purchased for each printer included in the communication system 1. However, for example, functions may be purchased by the user. That is, the management server 30 manages a user ID in association with one or more printers used by the user of the user ID. When a user purchases a printer function, the function may be purchased for all printers associated with the user ID of the user. In this case, it is assumed that the function of the printer 10 has been purchased but has not been enabled. In that case, the user may enable the function of the printer 10 individually.

[0087] (17) The communication system 1 may be configured as follows. That is, a home screen D shown in Fig. 7 is displayed on the display unit 12 of the printer 10. On the home screen D, an icon D1 for general function purchases of the printer 10 and icons D2 and D3 for specific functions that are not enabled (e.g., a cloud storage function and a color printing function) are displayed.

[0088] Then, when the icon D1 is operated, the printer 10 accepts a first function purchase instruction. The first function purchase instruction here is a function purchase instruction that does not include information on a specific function, in other words, a function purchase instruction that does not specify a specific function. When accepting the first function purchase instruction, the printer 10 may provide first execution information to the mobile terminal 20. The first execution information is execution information for displaying the function list screen B shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit 22 of the mobile terminal 20. In other words, after the first execution information is provided, the function list screen B is displayed on the display unit 22 of the mobile terminal 20 in response to the execution of the target application TA.

[0089] On the other hand, the printer 10 accepts a second function purchase instruction when the icon D2 or D3 is operated. The second function purchase instruction here is a function purchase instruction including information on a specific function (e.g., a cloud storage function, a color printing function). When the printer 10 accepts the second function purchase instruction, the printer 10 may provide the mobile terminal 20 with second execution information. The second execution information is execution information for displaying the details screen C related to the specific function shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 22 of the mobile terminal 20. That is, after the second execution information is provided, the display unit 22 of the mobile terminal 20 displays the details screen C of the specific function in response to the execution of the target application TA without displaying the function list screen B. The communication system 1 may be configured in this way. After the function purchase, when the icon D2 or D3 is operated, the corresponding function (e.g., a cloud storage function, a color printing function) is executed.

[0090] (18) Each of the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and the methods described herein may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to execute one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and the methods described herein may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and the methods described herein may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to execute one or more functions and a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. Also, the computer program may be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium as instructions executed by a computer.

[0091] (19) Multiple functions possessed by one component in the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function possessed by one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions possessed by multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

[0092] (20) In addition to the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 described above, the present disclosure can also be realized in various forms, such as a system having the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 as components, a program for causing a computer to function as the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, a non-transient tangible recording medium such as a semiconductor memory on which this program is recorded, and a method for purchasing and / or enabling the functions of the printer 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1... communication system, 10... printer, 20... mobile terminal, 30... management server, 40...Server, 50...Application server, A...Startup screen, B...Function list screen, C...Details screen, MA...main app, TA...target app.

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of communicating with a mobile terminal configured to download and execute a target application from a URL upon receiving execution information including function purchase information and a URL, a reception unit that receives an instruction for purchasing a function of the image forming apparatus; a provision unit that provides the execution information to the portable terminal when the reception unit receives the function purchase instruction, the provision unit being configured to provide the execution information to the portable terminal when the function purchase instruction is received by the reception unit, the target application being application software for purchasing a function of the image forming apparatus; Equipped with The information processing device, when receiving a first function purchase instruction that does not specify information of a specific function to be enabled in the image forming device, provides first execution information to the mobile terminal, and when receiving a second function purchase instruction that specifies information of the specific function to be enabled in the image forming device, provides second execution information to the mobile terminal, the first execution information being the execution information for causing a function list screen displaying a list of functions of the image forming device to be displayed on a display unit of the mobile terminal, and the second execution information being the execution information for causing a details screen having details of the specific function specified in the second function purchase instruction and a purchase button to be displayed on a display unit of the mobile terminal.

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, a receiving unit that receives an activation request from the mobile terminal on which the target application has been downloaded, the activation request being a request to activate a function of the image forming apparatus; an enabling unit that transmits, to the image forming apparatus, an enabling command for enabling a function of the image forming apparatus on condition that the receiving unit receives the enabling request; The information processing device further comprises:

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, An information processing device, wherein the target application is application software that provides a portion of the functions of a main body application, which is a predetermined application software executable on the mobile terminal.

4. 4. The information processing device according to claim 3, The information processing device, wherein the target application is App Clips.

5. 5. The information processing device according to claim 3, The main application is application software for causing the image forming apparatus to execute a predetermined function.

6. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The information processing device, wherein the function purchase instruction is transmitted from the image forming device to the information processing device when a user operates a predetermined icon image displayed on a display unit of the image forming device.

7. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An information processing device wherein the providing unit provides the mobile terminal with compatible function information indicating functions supported by the image forming device and purchase information indicating the purchase status of functions of the image forming device, and the compatible function information and the purchase information are used to display functions supported by the image forming device and unpurchased functions of the image forming device in the target app.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7, The information processing device, wherein the execution information includes the corresponding function information and the purchase information as parameters.

9. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, An information processing device, wherein the first function purchase instruction is made when an icon image for general function purchases displayed on a display unit of the image forming device is operated, and the second function purchase instruction is made when an icon image for the specific function that has not been enabled and displayed on a display unit of the image forming device is operated.

10. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The information processing device, wherein functions of the image forming device that can be purchased through the target application include at least one of a color printing function and a cloud storage function.

11. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, An information processing apparatus which is a server separate from the image forming apparatus.

12. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The providing unit provides the execution information to the mobile terminal by providing code information obtained by encoding the execution information to the image forming apparatus and displaying the code information on a display unit of the image forming apparatus.

13. Application software for a mobile terminal, comprising: It is application software for purchasing functions of an image forming device, On condition that the image forming apparatus accepts a function purchase instruction, execution information including function purchase information for purchasing a function of the image forming apparatus specified by the function purchase instruction and a URL for downloading the application is provided from a predetermined information processing apparatus to the mobile terminal; The execution information is downloaded to the mobile terminal and executed on the condition that the execution information is provided from the information processing device to the mobile terminal; The application software includes: a purchase transmission process for transmitting a purchase request for a function of the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus; a completion receiving process for receiving a purchase completion notice indicating that the purchase of the function of the image forming apparatus has been completed; an activation transmission process for transmitting an activation request for requesting activation of a function of the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus when the purchase completion notification is received; The application software that runs 14. The application software according to claim 13, After the execution information is provided, the application software is started by operating a specific screen displayed on a display unit of the mobile terminal.

15. The application software according to claim 14, a function receiving process for receiving, from the information processing device, supported function information indicating functions supported by the image forming device and purchase information indicating a purchase status of the functions of the image forming device; a list display process for displaying, on the display unit of the mobile terminal, a function list screen that displays a list of functions of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the received compatible function information and the purchase information; The application software that runs 16. The application software according to claim 15, The application software further executes a details display process for displaying, when a function displayed on the function list screen is operated, a details screen having details of the operated function and a purchase button.

17. The application software according to any one of claims 13 to 16, Application software that provides some of the functions of a main application, which is a specific application software that can be executed on the mobile terminal.

18. The application software of claim 17, Application software that is App Clips.

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