First printer, server, and computer-readable recording medium storing computer-readable instructions for the printer and server

Abstract

The first printer may include: a display control unit configured to, upon accepting a first predetermined operation while the second printer identification information and the specific service-related information are stored in association with each other in the server, cause the display unit to display a notification screen prompting a second predetermined operation for changing the printer used for the service from the second printer to the first printer; and a printer change request sending unit configured to, upon accepting the second predetermined operation, send a printer change request including the first printer identification information to the server. When the printer change request is sent to the server, the first printer identification information is stored in association with the specific service-related information in the server instead of the second printer identification information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure herein discloses a technology in which a server provides a service using a printer. Background Art

[0002] Printers capable of executing a flat-rate printing process are known. In the flat-rate printing process, the printer prints a predetermined number of sheets at a fixed rate every predetermined time period. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The above techniques do not consider changing the printer used for the flat rate print process. The disclosure herein provides a technique that enables changing the printer used for a service.

[0004] A first printer disclosed herein may include: a display unit; a communication interface for communicating with a server, wherein the server is configured to store, for each of one or more printers, printer identification information for identifying the printer and service-related information for providing a service using the printer, in association with each other, the service-related information being obtained by using information received from the printer; a display control unit configured to, upon accepting a first predetermined operation in a state in which second printer identification information for identifying a second printer and specific service-related information are stored in association with each other in the server, cause the display unit to display a notification screen prompting a second predetermined operation, the second printer being different from the first printer, and the second predetermined operation being used to change the printer used for the service from the second printer to the first printer; and a printer change request sending unit configured to, upon accepting the second predetermined operation after the notification screen is displayed, send a printer change request including the first printer identification information for identifying the first printer to the server via the communication interface, wherein, when the printer change request is sent to the server, the first printer identification information included in the printer change request is stored in association with the specific service-related information in the server instead of the second printer identification information.

[0005] According to the above configuration, upon accepting the first predetermined operation, the first printer causes the display unit to display a notification screen. Furthermore, upon accepting the second predetermined operation in response to the notification screen, the first printer transmits a printer change request including the first printer identification information to the server. As a result, the server stores the first printer identification information in association with the specific service-related information, rather than the second printer identification information. This allows the printer using the service to be changed from the second printer to the first printer.

[0006] The server may be configured to store, for each of one or more printers, printer identification information for identifying the printer, service-related information for providing a service using the printer, and account information of a user of the printer, in association with each other. When a printer change request is sent to the server in a state where the second printer identification information, specific service-related information, and second account information are stored in association with each other in the server, and the first account information input to the terminal device by the user of the first printer is identical to the second account information stored in the server, the first printer identification information included in the printer change request may be stored in the server in association with the specific service-related information, rather than the second printer identification information associated with the second account information.

[0007] The first printer may include an output control unit configured to, upon receiving a second predetermined operation after the notification screen has been displayed, cause the output unit to output location information indicating a location on the server, the location information indicating a location of input screen data representing an input screen for inputting the first account information. In response to the output location information, the terminal device may obtain the location information, transmit the input screen data from the server to the terminal device, and display the input screen on the terminal device.

[0008] The output unit may be a display unit, and the output control unit may be configured to cause the display unit to display a code image in which the position information is encoded.

[0009] The server may be configured to store, for each of one or more printers, printer identification information for identifying the printer, service-related information for providing services using the printer, account information of a user of the printer, an email address of the user, and cartridge identification information for identifying a color cartridge that has been shipped to the user, in association with each other. The printer change request may include first printer identification information and specific cartridge identification information for identifying a specific color cartridge that has been installed in the first printer. In response to the printer change request being sent to the server, an email may be sent from the server. The email may include a specific email address as a recipient address and location information indicating a location on the server, the specific email address being associated with the specific cartridge identification information included in the printer change request, and the location information indicating the location of input screen data representing an input screen for entering the first account information. In response to the email being sent, the location information may be obtained by the terminal device, the input screen data may be sent from the server to the terminal device, and the input screen may be displayed on the terminal device.

[0010] The second predetermined operation may include an operation of inputting a specific email address to the first printer. The printer change request may include the first printer identification information and the input specific email address. In response to the printer change request being sent to the server, an email may be sent from the server. The email may include the specific email address included in the printer change request as a recipient address and location information indicating a location in the server, the location information indicating the location of input screen data representing an input screen for inputting the first account information. In response to the email being sent, the location information may be obtained by the terminal device, the input screen data may be sent from the server to the terminal device, and the input screen may be displayed on the terminal device.

[0011] In the event that the server receives an authentication information request including second printer identification information from a second printer, the server may be configured to store the specific authentication information in association with the second printer identification information and specific service-related information, and transmit the specific authentication information to the second printer. In response to the specific authentication information being transmitted, the specific authentication information may be output by the second printer. The second predetermined operation may include an operation of inputting the specific authentication information to the first printer. The printer change request may include the first printer identification information and the input specific authentication information. In the event that the printer change request is transmitted to the server, the first printer identification information included in the printer change request may be stored in the server in association with the specific service-related information, rather than the second printer identification information associated with the specific authentication information included in the printer change request.

[0012] The first printer may be configured to use both the single-purpose color material cartridge for receiving the offer service and a universal color material cartridge different from the single-purpose color material cartridge. The first predetermined operation may include an operation of installing the single-purpose color material cartridge to the first printer.

[0013] The first printer may be configured to selectively operate in any one of a plurality of modes, including a first mode in which the first printer can print using a single-purpose color cartridge, and a second mode in which the first printer can print using a universal color cartridge and cannot print using a single-purpose color cartridge. When the first printer is operating in the second mode and accepts a first predetermined operation including an operation to install the single-purpose color cartridge in the first printer, the output control unit may be configured to cause the display unit to display a notification screen. When the first printer is operating in the first mode and accepts the first predetermined operation including an operation to install the single-purpose color cartridge in the first printer, the notification screen may not be displayed.

[0014] In addition, the server disclosed herein may include: a communication interface for communicating with a printer; a memory configured to store, for each of one or more printers, printer identification information for identifying the printer and service-related information for providing services using the printer in association with each other, the service-related information being obtained by using information received from the printer; a printer change request receiving unit configured to receive a printer change request from a first printer via the communication interface in a state in which second printer identification information for identifying the second printer and specific service-related information are stored in association with each other in the memory, the first printer being different from the second printer, the printer change request including first printer identification information for identifying the first printer; and a first storage control unit configured to, in a case where a printer change request is received from the first printer, store the first printer identification information included in the printer change request instead of the second printer identification information in association with the specific service-related information.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the server receives a printer change request including the first printer identification information from the first printer. Therefore, the server stores the first printer identification information in association with the specific service-related information, rather than the second printer identification information. Therefore, the printer used for the service can be changed from the second printer to the first printer.

[0016] The memory may be configured to store, for each of one or more printers, printer identification information for identifying the printer, service-related information for providing a service using the printer, and account information of a user of the printer, in association with each other. The server may further include: an account information receiving unit configured to receive first account information input from a user of the first printer to the terminal device via a communication interface from a terminal device. In a state where the second printer identification information, the specific service-related information, and the second account information are stored in association with each other in the memory, when a printer change request is received from the first printer and the first account information received from the terminal device is the same as the second account information stored in the memory, the first storage control unit may be configured to store the first printer identification information included in the printer change request in association with the specific service-related information instead of the second printer identification information associated with the second account information.

[0017] The server may further include: an email sending unit configured to send an email via the communication interface upon receiving a printer change request from the first printer, the email including a specific email address as a recipient address and location information indicating a location in the server, wherein the location information indicates a location of input screen data representing an input screen for inputting the first account information; a data request receiving unit configured to receive a data request including the location information from a terminal device that received the email via the communication interface after the email has been sent; and a data sending unit configured to send the input screen data to the terminal device via the communication interface upon receiving the data request from the terminal device. After the input screen data has been sent to the terminal device, the account information receiving unit may be configured to receive, from the terminal device, the first account information input to the input screen represented by the input screen data.

[0018] The memory may be configured to store, for each of the one or more printers, printer identification information for identifying the printer, service-related information for providing services using the printer, account information of a user of the printer, an email address of the user, and cartridge identification information for identifying a color cartridge shipped to the user, in association with each other. The printer change request may include the first printer identification information and specific cartridge identification information for identifying a specific color cartridge already installed in the first printer. The email may include a specific email address as a recipient address associated with the specific cartridge identification information included in the printer change request.

[0019] The printer change request may include the first printer identification information and a specific email address input to the first printer. The email may include the specific email address included in the printer change request as a recipient address.

[0020] The server may further include: an authentication information request receiving unit configured to receive an authentication information request including second printer identification information from a second printer via a communication interface; a second storage control unit configured to, upon receiving the authentication information request from the second printer, store specific authentication information in a memory in association with the second printer identification information and specific service-related information; and an authentication information sending unit configured to, upon receiving the authentication information request from the second printer, send the specific authentication information to the second printer via the communication interface. In response to the specific authentication information being sent to the second printer, the specific authentication information may be output by the second printer. The printer change request may include first printer identification information and specific authentication information input to the first printer. The first storage control unit may be configured to store the first printer identification information included in the printer change request in association with the specific service-related information, rather than the second printer identification information associated with the specific authentication information included in the printer change request.

[0021] The server may further include: an information request sending unit configured to send an information request to the second printer via the communication interface when a printer change request is received from the first printer; a current information receiving unit configured to receive current information from the second printer via the communication interface when an information request is sent to the second printer, the current information being information currently stored in the second printer; and an updating unit configured to update specific service-related information by using the current information when the current information is received from the second printer.

[0022] Each of the first and second printers may be configured to use both a single-purpose color material cartridge for receiving a service and a universal color material cartridge different from the single-purpose color material cartridge. Each of the first and second printers may be configured to selectively operate in any one of a plurality of modes, the plurality of modes including a first mode in which the printer can print using the single-purpose color material cartridge and a second mode in which the printer can print using the universal color material cartridge but cannot print using the single-purpose color material cartridge. The server may further include a mode change request sending unit configured to, upon receiving a printer change request from the first printer, send a mode change request to the second printer via the communication interface, the mode change request being used to change the operating mode of the second printer from the first mode to the second mode.

[0023] A computer program and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions for a first printer are also novel and useful. A computer program and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions for a server are also novel and useful. Methods performed by the first printer and the server are also novel and useful. Furthermore, a communication system including the first printer and the server is also novel and useful. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a communication system;

[0025] Figure 2 A sequence diagram showing a printer registration process;

[0026] Figure 3 shows a sequence diagram according to the first embodiment;

[0027] Figure 4 Shown from Figure 3 Continued sequence diagram;

[0028] Figure 5 shows a sequence diagram according to a second embodiment;

[0029] Figure 6 shows a sequence diagram according to the third embodiment; and

[0030] Figure 7 A sequence diagram according to the fourth embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] (First embodiment)

[0032] (Structure of communication system 2; Figure 1 )

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, communication system 2 includes a server 10, a terminal 50, and multiple printers 100 and 200. Printer 200 and terminal 50 are connected to a local area network (LAN) 4. LAN 4 can be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. In this embodiment, the user additionally connects printer 100 to LAN 4. Thus, devices 50, 100, and 200 can communicate with each other via LAN 4. For example, terminal 50 can instruct a printer (e.g., 100) to print by instructing the printer via LAN 4.

[0034] The LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. A server 10 is installed on the Internet 6. The server 10 is a server for providing a flat-rate printing service. The server 10 can communicate with the devices 50, 100, and 200 via the Internet 6.

[0035] The flat rate printing service is a service that allows a preset number (e.g., 200) of print media to be printed at a fixed rate every predetermined period (e.g., every month). This embodiment specifically assumes that the printer used for the flat rate printing service is changed from printer 200 to printer 100.

[0036] Here, as described below, a flat-rate printing service using a printer is different from a flat-rate communication service using an ordinary mobile phone (i.e., a service that allows a preset amount of data to be communicated at a fixed rate). For the flat-rate printing service, the server needs to periodically receive information about the number of sheets printed from the printer in order to manage the number of sheets related to printing. On the other hand, for the flat-rate communication service, the server does not need to receive information about the amount of data from the mobile phone because the communication in the mobile phone is performed via the server. Due to this difference, the mechanism for changing the printer used for the flat-rate printing service is different from the mechanism for changing the mobile phone used for the flat-rate communication service. A technology is described below that enables the printer used for the flat-rate printing service to be appropriately changed.

[0037] (Structure of Printer 100)

[0038] The printer 100 is a peripheral device configured to perform a printing function (i.e., a peripheral device of the terminal 50, etc.). The printer 100 may be a multifunction device configured to perform a scanning function, a FAX function, etc. in addition to the printing function. A printer ID "AAA" for identifying information of the printer 100 is assigned to the printer 100.

[0039] Once a cartridge containing a color material (hereinafter referred to as a "CTG") is installed in the printer 100, the printer 100 can perform printing using the color material. In this embodiment, the printer 100 is configured to use both a single-use CTG for receiving a flat-rate printing service and a universal CTG that is different from the single-use CTG. For example, once a user signs a flat-rate printing service contract, the single-use CTG is delivered to the user from the printer 100 supplier or a business entity associated with the supplier. The universal CTG is a universal, distributed CTG that the user can purchase at a home appliance store, for example, through mail order.

[0040] The printer 100 includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a print execution unit 116, a communication interface (hereinafter, the interface will be represented as "I / F") 120, and a controller 130. Units 112 to 130 are connected to a bus (reference numerals omitted). The operation unit 112 includes a plurality of keys. A user can input various instructions to the printer 100 by operating the operation unit 112. The display unit 114 is a display configured to display various information. The communication I / F 120 is an I / F configured to perform communication and is connected to the LAN 4.

[0041] The print execution unit 116 includes a printing mechanism of an inkjet scheme or a laser scheme. A CTG containing a color material (such as ink, toner, etc.) is installed on the print execution unit 116. The CTG is provided with an IC chip, and the print execution unit 116 includes a reader (not shown) configured to read information in the IC chip. In the IC chip of the single-purpose CTG, single-purpose information (for example, a predetermined code) indicating that the CTG is a single-purpose CTG is described. In the IC chip of the universal CTG, the single-purpose information is not described. Therefore, when the CTG is installed, the printer 100 can determine whether the CTG is a single-purpose CTG or a universal CTG by reading the information in the IC chip of the CTG.

[0042] The controller 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 is configured to execute various processes according to a program 136 stored in the memory 134. The memory 134 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 134 stores a service mode flag 138 and the cumulative number of sheets (hereinafter referred to as the "cumulative number of sheets").

[0043] The service mode flag 138 indicates whether the flag value is "ON" or "OFF". The printer 100 is configured to selectively operate in any one of a plurality of operation modes, including a mode in which the printer 100 can perform printing by using the single-purpose CTG and a mode in which the printer 100 can perform printing by using the general-purpose CTG but cannot perform printing by using the single-purpose CTG. In the following description, the former mode and the latter mode are referred to as "service mode ON" and "service mode OFF", respectively. When the operation mode of the printer 100 is the service mode ON, the service mode flag 138 indicates "ON", and when the operation mode of the printer 100 is the service mode OFF, the service mode flag 138 indicates "OFF". The cumulative number of sheets is the cumulative number of sheets of print media printed by using the single-purpose CTG.

[0044] The printer 100 periodically transmits information indicating the cumulative number of sheets to the server 10. Thus, based on the cumulative number of sheets, the server 10 can determine the total number of printed sheets within a predetermined period and provide a flat-rate printing service. Furthermore, the printer 100 periodically transmits information indicating the remaining amount of color materials in single-use CTG and the like to the server 10, although detailed illustrations are omitted for this purpose. Therefore, when the server 10 detects that the remaining amount is less than a threshold, it can execute processing to ship a new single-use CTG to the user.

[0045] (Structure of Printer 200)

[0046] Printer ID "BBB" is assigned to printer 200. Printer 200 includes an operation unit 212, a display unit 214, a print execution unit 216, a communication interface 220, and a controller 230. Controller 230 includes a CPU 232 and a memory 234. Memory 234 stores a program 236, a service mode flag 238, and the cumulative number of sheets. These configurations are identical to those of printer 100.

[0047] (Structure of Terminal 50)

[0048] For example, the terminal 50 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PDA, a tablet PC, etc. In a modified example, the terminal 50 may be a stationary PC, a notebook PC, etc. The terminal 50 includes a camera, an application for performing communication via the Internet 6 (e.g., a browser), an application for performing email communication (e.g., a mailer), and an application for decoding QR codes (registered trademark).

[0049] (Structure of Server 10)

[0050] The server 10 is installed on the Internet 6 by the supplier of the printers 100, 200. In a variant, the server 10 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business entity different from the supplier.

[0051] The server 10 includes a communication interface 20 and a controller 30. The units 20 to 30 are connected to a bus (reference numerals omitted). The communication interface 20 is connected to the Internet 6. The controller 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 is configured to execute various processes according to a program 36 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, or the like. The memory 34 stores a user table 38 and a sheet quantity table 40.

[0052] The user table 38 stores a user ID, a password (hereinafter referred to as "PW") and a printer ID for identifying a user in association with each other. This information is stored in the printer table 38 as described later. Figure 2 The processed information is stored in the user table 38. In the following description, the user ID and PW may be collectively referred to as "account information".

[0053] The sheet quantity table 40 stores the printer ID, the cumulative sheet quantity of the printer identified by the printer ID, the upper limit sheet quantity, and the currently printed sheet quantity (hereinafter referred to as the "current sheet quantity") in association with each other. The upper limit sheet quantity is the upper limit of the number of printed sheets allowed within a predetermined time period in the flat rate print service. The current sheet quantity is the number of sheets actually printed within the predetermined time period. This information is stored in the printer ID. Figure 2 Processing or Figure 4 The processing is stored in the sheet quantity table 40.

[0054] (Printer registration process; Figure 2 )

[0055] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 The registration process for registering information related to the printer 200 in the server 10 is described. Figure 2 In the initial state, the operation mode of the printer 200 is the service mode OFF. That is, the printer 200 cannot perform printing by using the single-purpose CTG. In addition, Figure 2 In the initial state, the server 10 has stored the user ID "XXX" and PW "YYY" in association with each other in the user table 38. The user accesses the server 10 by using, for example, the terminal 50 to register these information (ie, account information) in the server 10 in advance.

[0056] In the following description, for ease of understanding, the processing performed by the CPU (e.g., CPU 32) of each device (e.g., server 10) will be described with each device (e.g., server 10) as the subject of the action, without describing the CPU as the subject of the action. Furthermore, each communication performed by the server 10 and the printers 100 and 200 described below is performed via the communication I / Fs 20, 120, and 220. Therefore, in the following description, the phrase "via the communication I / F 20 (or 120, 220)" will be omitted to explain the processing related to communication.

[0057] Upon accepting a login operation from the user in T10 , which includes specifying a uniform resource locator (URL) of the server 10 and inputting account information (ie, user ID “XXX” and PW “YYY”), the terminal 50 transmits the account information to the server 10 in T12 .

[0058] Upon receiving the account information from the terminal 50 at T12, the server 10 performs account authentication at T14. Specifically, the server 10 determines whether the received account information is in the user table 38. In this embodiment, the server 10 determines that the received account information is in the user table 38 (i.e., determines that the account authentication is successful), and then executes the subsequence process from T16. The server 10 transmits the registration information screen data to the terminal 50 at T16.

[0059] Upon receiving the registration information screen data from the server 10 at T16, the terminal 50 displays the registration information screen SC0 represented by the registration information screen data at T18. The registration information screen SC0 includes a message inquiring whether to register the printer, a Register button, and a Cancel button. Upon receiving the selection of the Register button on the registration information screen SC0 at T20, the terminal 50 transmits a PIN code request to the server 10 at T22.

[0060] Upon receiving the PIN code request from the terminal 50 in T22, the server 10 generates a PIN code "C" in T24 and stores the PIN code "C" in association with the account information (i.e., user ID "XXX" and PW "YYY") successfully authenticated in T14 in the memory 34. In T26, the server 10 transmits the PIN code "C" generated in T24 to the terminal 50.

[0061] When the PIN code "C" is received from the server 10 in T26, the terminal 50 displays the PIN code "C" in T28. As a result, the user can know the PIN code "C".

[0062] When accepting input of the PIN code "C" from the user in T30, the printer 200 transmits a registration request to the server 10 in T40. The registration request includes the printer ID "BBB" of the printer 200 and the PIN code "C" input in T30.

[0063] Upon receiving the registration request from the printer 200 at T40, the server 10 stores the printer ID "BBB" included in the registration request in the user table 38 and the sheet quantity table 40 at T42. Specifically, the server 10 first identifies the account information (i.e., user ID "XXX" and PW "YYY") stored in association with the PIN code "C" included in the registration request from the user table 38. The server 10 then stores the printer ID "BBB" in association with the identified account information in the user table 38. Furthermore, the server 10 stores the printer ID "BBB," the cumulative sheet quantity "0," the preset upper limit sheet quantity "200," and the current sheet quantity "0" in association with one another in the sheet quantity table 40.

[0064] Thereafter, information (e.g., an access token) for establishing an Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) connection (so-called full-time connection) is communicated between the server 10 and the printer 200. As a result, at T50, an XMPP connection is established between the server 10 and the printer 200. By using the XMPP connection, the server 10 can send a signal to the printer 200 outside the firewall of the LAN 4 to which the printer 200 belongs, without receiving a request from the printer 200.

[0065] Then, the server 10 transmits a mode change request to the printer 200 by using the XMPP connection in T52. The mode change request is a signal requesting to change the operation mode of the printer 200 from the service mode OFF to the service mode ON.

[0066] Upon receiving the mode change request from the server 10 at T52, the printer 200 changes the service mode flag 238 from OFF to ON at T54. That is, the operating mode of the printer 200 is set to service mode ON. As a result, the printer 200 can be used to provide the user with a flat-rate printing service. In this case, the printer 200 stores "0" as the cumulative number of sheets.

[0067] When the registration request is sent to the server 10 in T40, the server 10 performs processing for shipping the single-purpose CTG to the user of the printer 200. Thus, the user can receive the single-purpose CTG. In T60, the single-purpose CTG is installed to the printer 200. At this time, the printer 200 can know that the single-purpose CTG has been installed by reading the information in the IC chip of the single-purpose CTG. Whenever the printer 200 performs printing by using the single-purpose CTG installed thereon, the printer 200 updates the cumulative number of sheets in the memory 234. Since the operation mode of the printer 200 is the service mode ON (that is, the service mode flag 238 is ON) when the single-purpose CTG is installed to the printer 200, the printer 200 does not display the notification screen SC1 (see Figure 3 ), which will be described later. This prevents unnecessary display of the screen.

[0068] At T62, the printer 200 prints using the single-use CTG and updates the cumulative sheet count in the memory 234. In this embodiment, printing is performed on 50 sheets of print media at T62, so "50" is stored as the cumulative sheet count. When a predetermined time (e.g., a predetermined time of day) arrives, the printer 200 transmits a notification to the server 10 at T70, including the printer ID "BBB" in the memory 234 and the cumulative sheet count "50."

[0069] When a notification is received from the printer 200 in T70, the server 10 updates the sheet quantity table 40 in T80. Specifically, the server 10 first identifies the cumulative sheet quantity "0" and the current sheet quantity "0" associated with the printer ID "BBB" included in the notification of T70 from the sheet quantity table 40. Next, the server 10 calculates the difference "50" between the identified cumulative sheet quantity (in the current case, "0") and the cumulative sheet quantity "50" included in the notification of T70. Then, the server 10 updates the current sheet quantity by adding the difference "50" to the identified current sheet quantity (in the current case, "0"). The server 10 also updates the identified cumulative sheet quantity (in the current case, "0") to the cumulative sheet quantity "50" included in the notification of T70. The processing of T70 and T80 is performed regularly (for example, every day).

[0070] (Printer changes; Figure 3 and 4 )

[0071] Next, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a process of changing the printer for the flat-rate printing service from the printer 200 to the printer 100 will be described. In the following description, the printer for the flat-rate printing service may be referred to as a "service target printer." Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The operation mode of the printer 100 is the service mode OFF, and the operation mode of the printer 200 is the service mode ON (see Figure 2 T54).

[0072] In T110, the printer 100 is additionally connected to the LAN 4. Next, in T112, a single-use CTG is installed to the printer 100. The single-use CTG may be installed in Figure 2 The single-purpose CTG may be a single-purpose CTG installed in the printer 200 in T60, or a single-purpose CTG newly sent to the user (i.e., a single-purpose CTG sent to the printer 200 but not yet installed in the printer 200). When the operation of installing the single-purpose CTG is accepted and it is determined that the operation mode of the printer 100 is service mode OFF, the printer 100 displays a notification screen SC1 in T114. The notification screen SC1 includes a message asking whether to change the printer used for the flat-rate print service, a YES button, and a NO button. The user can cause the printer 100 to start the process of changing the printer used for the flat-rate print service by operating the YES button in the notification screen SC1. This improves user convenience.

[0073] Here, a comparative example is assumed in which, before the single-purpose CTG is installed on the printer 100, the notification screen SC1 is displayed in response to the printer 100 being turned on. In this comparative example, the notification screen SC1 is displayed even when the user who does not wish to receive the flat-rate printing service turns on the printer 100. That is, even if it is not necessary to display the notification screen SC1, the notification screen SC1 is displayed. In contrast, in the present embodiment, when the operation of installing the single-purpose CTG is accepted, the printer 100 displays the notification screen SC1. As described, the single-purpose CTG is a CTG shipped when the flat-rate printing service is terminated, and therefore, the user who does not wish to receive the flat-rate printing service does not own the single-purpose CTG. Therefore, when the user who does not wish to receive the flat-rate printing service uses the printer 100, the notification screen SC1 is not displayed. As described above, when it is not necessary to display the notification screen SC1, the present embodiment can prevent the notification screen SC1 from being displayed.

[0074] When the operation of selecting the YES button in the notification screen SC1 is accepted at T116, the printer 100 transmits a printer change request including the printer ID "AAA" of the printer 100 to the server 10 at T120. The printer change request is a signal requesting the server 10 to change the service target printer. At T122, the printer 100 displays a QR code. The QR code is an image in which URL1 is encoded. URL1 is pre-stored in the memory 134. URL1 is information indicating a location in the server 10, specifically, information indicating the location of input screen data representing the input screen SC2 for inputting account information. URL1 also includes the printer ID "AAA" of the printer 100 as a query.

[0075] In T124, the user captures the QR code displayed in T122 using the camera of the terminal 50. In this case, the terminal 50 obtains URL1 by decoding the QR code in T126. Then, in T130, the terminal 50 sends a data request including URL1 to the server 10. The data request is a signal requesting the server 10 to transmit input screen data representing the input screen SC2.

[0076] Upon receiving the data request from the terminal 50 at T130, the server 10 transmits the input screen data to the terminal 50 at T132. The server 10 can obtain the printer ID "AAA" based on a query of the URL 1 included in the data request. The server 10 then determines that the printer ID "AAA" included in the printer change request received at T120 is identical to the printer ID "AAA" obtained from the URL 1 and recognizes that the service target printer should be changed to the printer 100 identified by the printer ID "AAA." To perform account authentication for the change, the server 10 transmits the input screen data to the terminal 50 at T132.

[0077] Upon receiving the input screen data from the server 10 in T132, the terminal 50 displays the input screen SC2 represented by the input screen data in T134. The input screen SC2 includes a message prompting input of account information, a user ID input field, a PW input field, and a Done button.

[0078] As described, when the YES button in the notification screen SC1 is selected at the printer 100, the QR code is displayed (T122), the QR code is captured by the terminal 50 (T124), and the input screen SC2 is displayed on the terminal 50. Therefore, the user does not have to manually input the URL1 into the terminal 50 in order to display the input screen SC2 at the terminal 50. This improves user convenience.

[0079] When accepting operations including input of account information (ie, user ID “XXX” and PW “YYY”) and selection of the Finish button from the user in T136 , the terminal 50 transmits the account information to the server 10 in T140 .

[0080] When the account information is received from the terminal 50 in T140, the server 10 performs account authentication in T142. In this embodiment, the server 10 determines that the received account information is in the user table 38 (i.e., determines that the account authentication is successful), and performs Figure 4 In particular, as described, the server 10 recognizes that the account authentication is for changing the service target printer to the printer 100 (see the above description related to T130 and T132). Therefore, when the account authentication is successful, the server 10 executes Figure 4 The server 10 performs processing to change the service target printer to the printer 100. Through this processing, the server 10 can appropriately register the printer 100 as the service target printer, rather than the printer 200 identified by the printer ID “BBB” associated with the account information (i.e., user ID “XXX” and PW “YYY”) that successfully performed account authentication.

[0081] Here, let's assume a comparative example in which account authentication is not performed when changing the service target printer from printer 200 to printer 100. In this comparative example, if a third party obtains a single-use CTG and installs it on the third party's printer, the service target printer can be changed from printer 200 to the third party's printer. In other words, the service target printer can be changed without the user of printer 200 being aware of the change. This embodiment prevents a third party from changing the service target printer because account authentication is performed when the service target printer is changed.

[0082] ( Figure 3 the continuation of the processing; Figure 4 )

[0083] exist Figure 4 In T150, the server 10 transmits a mode change request to the printer 200 by using the XMPP connection. The mode change request is a signal requesting to change the operation mode of the printer 200 from the service mode ON to the service mode OFF.

[0084] Upon receiving a mode change request from server 10 at T150, printer 200 changes service mode flag 238 from ON to OFF at T152. That is, the operating mode of printer 200 is set to service mode OFF. As a result, printer 200 becomes unable to print using a single-use CTG. In other words, unless a universal CTG is installed on printer 200, printer 200 cannot print. As described, the operating mode of printer 200 automatically changes to service mode OFF without the user having to operate printer 200. This prevents two or more printers, including printers 100 and 200 that can be used by the same user, from having their operating modes set to service mode ON at the same time.

[0085] In T154, the server 10 transmits a sheet number request to the printer 200 using the XMPP connection. The sheet number request is a signal requesting transmission of the latest accumulated number of sheets currently stored in the printer 200.

[0086] When receiving the sheet quantity request from the server 10 in T154, the printer 200 transmits a sheet quantity response including the printer ID "BBB" of the printer 200 and the cumulative sheet quantity (in the present case, "60") in the memory 234 to the server 10 in T156. Here, the reason why the cumulative sheet quantity of the printer 200 is not "50" but "60" is because the printer 200 has executed the sheet quantity response. Figure 2 After the printing of T62 in the above, 10 sheets of printing media have been printed. Figure 2. The time period for executing the notification of T70 is relatively long. Therefore, another printing may be performed at the printer 200 between the moment when the printer 200 sends a notification including the cumulative number of sheets to the server 10 and the moment when the next notification is sent. In this case, the latest cumulative number of sheets stored in the printer 200 may be different from the cumulative number of sheets stored in the server 10. In the present embodiment, after the cumulative number of sheets of the printer 200 is changed to "60", a notification including the cumulative number of sheets "60" has not yet been sent to the server 10. Therefore, at the moment of T156, the cumulative number of sheets "50" and the current number of sheets "50" are stored in association with the printer ID "BBB" in the sheet quantity table 40 of the server 10 (see Figure 2 Execute the process of T156 to store the latest cumulative number of sheets of the printer 200 to the server 10. When the process of T156 is completed, the server 10 can be disconnected. Figure 2 The XMPP connection established in the T50.

[0087] When receiving the sheet quantity response in T156, the server 10 updates the user table 38 and the sheet quantity table 40 in T158. The server 10 first updates the user table 38. Specifically, the server 10 stores the sheet quantity response data included in the user table 38. Figure 3 The printer ID "AAA" in the printer change request received in T120 of the printer (ie, the printer ID "AAA" in the URL1 included in the data request received in T130) is not the same as that in Figure 3 The printer ID "BBB" is associated with the account information that successfully performed account authentication in T142.

[0088] The server 10 also updates the sheet quantity table 40. Specifically, the server 10 identifies the cumulative sheet quantity "50" associated with the printer ID "BBB" and calculates the difference "10" between the identified cumulative sheet quantity "50" and the cumulative sheet quantity "60" included in the sheet quantity response at T156. The server 10 then updates the current sheet quantity by adding the difference "10" to the current sheet quantity "50" associated with the printer ID "BBB." In this way, the server 10 can appropriately store the latest current sheet quantity. The server 10 also updates the cumulative sheet quantity associated with the printer ID "BBB" to "0." The server 10 also stores the printer ID "AAA" instead of the printer ID "BBB."

[0089] The processing from T160 to T190 is the same as that of the previous example except that the printer 100 is used instead of the printer 200 and the current number of sheets is updated from "60" (see T158) to "100" in response to the cumulative number of sheets "40" being sent to the server 10. Figure 2 The treatment of T50 to T80 is the same.

[0090] After that, the printer 100 repeatedly performs printing by using the single-purpose CTG. As a result, the color material in the single-purpose CTG is used up. At T192, the single-purpose CTG of the printer 100 is replaced. That is, on the printer 100, the installed single-purpose CTG is removed and a new single-purpose CTG is installed. At this time, since the operation mode of the printer 100 is the service mode ON (that is, the service mode flag 138 is ON), the printer 100 does not display the notification screen SC1 ( Figure 3 This prevents unnecessary display of the screen.

[0091] (Effects of the First Embodiment)

[0092] As described above, when the operation to install the single-purpose CTG is accepted in a state where the printer ID "BBB" of the printer 200 and the current number of sheets are stored in association with each other in the server 10 ( Figure 3 When the user selects the YES button in the notification screen SC1 (T112), the printer 100 displays the notification screen SC1 (T114). Then, when the user selects the YES button in the notification screen SC1 (T116), the printer 100 transmits a printer change request including the printer ID "AAA" of the printer 100 to the server 10 (T120). As a result, the printer ID "AAA" is stored in the server 10 in association with the current number of sheets instead of the printer ID "BBB" ( Figure 4 Therefore, the printer for the flat-rate printing service (ie, the service target printer) can be changed from the printer 200 to the printer 100.

[0093] Here, a comparative example is assumed in which a user performs the same Figure 2 , so as to re-register the printer 100 as a service target printer. That is, in the comparative example, the user performs a login operation to the server 10 ( Figure 2 ), an operation of selecting a registration button in the registration information screen SC0 (T20), and an operation of inputting a PIN code to the printer 100 (the same operation as T30 to the printer 100). In this case, the server 10 may store the printer ID "AAA" instead of the printer ID "BBB" in association with the account information (i.e., the user ID "XXX" etc.) (see Figure 2 If further execution is performed with Figure 4The server 10 can update the sheet quantity table 40 by performing the same processing as T154 and T156. However, the comparative example requires the operation of inputting the PIN code to the printer 100, thereby increasing the workload of the user. In contrast, the present embodiment does not require the user to perform the operation of inputting the PIN code to the printer 100 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ). Therefore, user convenience can be improved compared with the comparative example.

[0094] (Corresponding relationship)

[0095] The printer 100, the printer 200, and the terminal 50 are examples of a "first printer," a "second printer," and a "terminal device," respectively. The display unit 114 is an example of a "display unit (and output unit)." The printer ID "AAA" and the printer ID "BBB" are examples of "first printer identification information" and "second printer identification information," respectively. The flat-rate printing service is an example of a "service." The current number of sheets is an example of "service-related information." Operations for installing a single-use CTG ( Figure 3 The operation of selecting the YES button in the notification screen SC1 (T112) and the operation of selecting the YES button in the notification screen SC1 (T116) are examples of the “first predetermined operation” and the “second predetermined operation”, respectively. User ID “XXX” and PW “YYY” are examples of the “first account information (and second account information)”. URL1 is an example of the “location information”. Service mode ON and service mode OFF are examples of the “first mode” and the “second mode”, respectively. Figure 4 The sheet number request sent in T154 and the sheet number response sent in T156 are examples of “information request” and “current information”, respectively.

[0096] Figure 3 The processing of T114 , the processing of T120 , and the processing of T122 are examples of processing executed by the “display control unit,” “printer change request sending unit,” and “output control unit,” respectively, of the “first printer.”

[0097] Figure 3 T120 processing and Figure 4 The processing at T158 in the figure is an example of processing executed by the "printer change request receiving unit" and the "first storage control unit" of the "server," respectively. The processing at T140 is an example of processing executed by the "account information receiving unit." The processing at T154, the processing at T156, and the processing at T158 are examples of processing executed by the "information request transmitting unit," the "current information receiving unit," and the "update unit," respectively. The processing at T150 is an example of processing executed by the "mode change request transmitting unit."

[0098] (Second embodiment; Figure 5 )

[0099] Next, we will refer to Figure 5 Describe the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the terminal 50 obtains URL1 in a manner different from the first embodiment. The memory 34 of the server 10 stores the user ID, PW, printer ID, email address (hereinafter, referred to as "MA") and CTG ID in the user table 38 in association with each other. MA indicates the recipient to whom the email is sent. URL1 is contained in the body of the email. The user accesses the server 10 by using, for example, the terminal 50, and registers the account information and MA in the server 10 in advance in association with each other. CTG ID is information for identifying a single-purpose CTG. CTGID is stored in the IC chip of the single-purpose CTG.

[0100] Whenever the server 10 performs processing for shipping a single-use CTG to a user, the server 10 stores the CTG ID of the single-use CTG in association with the user's account information in the user table 38. Figure 5 In the initial state, the server 10 has stored the user ID “XXX”, PW “YYY”, printer ID “BBB”, MA “MA1” and CTG ID “ZZZ” in the user table 38 in association with each other.

[0101] Figure 5 The processing is Figure 2 The processing continues. Figure 5 The processing of T210 Figure 3 The processing of T110 in is the same as that of T212. In T212, the single-purpose CTG is installed in the printer 100. Since the CTG ID "ZZZ" is stored in the IC chip of the single-purpose CTG, the printer 100 can read the CTG ID "ZZZ" from the IC chip of the single-purpose CTG. The processing of T214 and T216 is the same as that of T216. Figure 3 The processing of T114 and T116 in the printer change request is the same as that of T220, except that the CTG ID "ZZZ" of the single-use CTG is included in the printer change request. Figure 3 The same treatment is applied to the T120 in the .

[0102] Upon receiving the printer change request including the printer ID "AAA" and the CTG ID "ZZZ" at T220, the server 10 identifies the MA "MA1" associated with the CTG ID "ZZZ" included in the printer change request at T222. Then, at T230, the server 10 transmits an email including the URL 1 and the MA "MA1" as a recipient address to the terminal 50.

[0103] When receiving an email from the server 10 in T230, the terminal 50 may display the email. Then, in T232, the user uses the terminal 50 to perform an operation for accessing the URL 1 included in the email (for example, an operation of clicking on the URL 1). The processing of T240 to T252 executed in response to this operation is the same as that of Figure 3 The processing of T130 to T142 in is the same as that in FIG. As described above, the user does not have to manually input URL1 into the terminal 50 to display the input screen SC2 on the terminal 50. This improves user convenience. Figure 4 The same treatment is applied.

[0104] (Corresponding relationship)

[0105] CTG ID and CTG ID “ZZZ” are examples of “box identification information” and “specific box identification information,” respectively. MA “MA1” is an example of a “specific email address.” Figure 5 The processing of T230, the processing of T240, and the processing of T242 are examples of processing executed by the "email transmission unit", "data request reception unit", and "data transmission unit" of the "server", respectively.

[0106] (Third embodiment; Figure 6 )

[0107] Next, we will refer to Figure 6 The third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the server 10 identifies the email address "MA1" in a different manner from the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the server 10 does not store the MA and CTG ID in the user table 38.

[0108] Figure 6 The processing is Figure 2 The processing continues. Figure 6 The processing of T310 and T312 in Figure 3 The processing at T110 and T112 in the above steps is the same. The printer 100 displays a notification screen SC3 at T314. The notification screen SC3 includes a message asking whether to change the printer used for the flat-rate print service, a message prompting the user to enter an MA, an MA entry field, a YES button, and a NO button. Upon receiving an input of the MA "MA1" into the MA entry field and selecting the YES button at T316, the printer 100 transmits a printer change request at T320, including the printer ID "AAA" of the printer 100 and the MA "MA1" entered at T316 to the server 10.

[0109] By receiving the printer change request from the printer 100 in T320, the server 10 can recognize the email address "MA1" included in the printer change request. The processing of T330 to T352 is the same as Figure 5 As described above, the user does not have to manually input the URL1 into the terminal 50 to display the input screen SC2 on the terminal 50. This improves user convenience.

[0110] (Corresponding relationship)

[0111] The notification screen SC3 is an example of a “notification screen.” The operation of inputting MA “ MA1 ” into the input field of MA and the operation of selecting the YES button in the notification screen SC3 are examples of a “second predetermined operation.”

[0112] (Fourth embodiment; Figure 7 )

[0113] Next, we will refer to Figure 7 The fourth embodiment will now be described. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the service target printer is changed from printer 200 to printer 100 without inputting account information into terminal 50. The memory 34 of server 10 stores the user ID, PW, printer ID, and migration code in user table 38 in association with each other. The migration code is information used for authentication to change the service target printer.

[0114] Figure 7 The processing is Figure 2 The processing continues. Figure 7 In the initial state, no migration code is stored in association with the account information (ie, user ID "XXX", etc.).

[0115] When Figure 7 Upon receiving the user's operation of selecting the migration button at T410 , the printer 200 transmits a migration code request to the server 10 at T412 , requesting issuance of a migration code. The migration code request includes the printer ID “BBB” of the printer 200 .

[0116] Upon receiving the migration code request from the printer 200 at T412, the server 10 issues (i.e., generates) the migration code "WWW" at T420 and stores the migration code "WWW" in association with the printer ID "BBB" included in the migration code request in the user table 38. Then, at T422, the server 10 transmits the migration code "WWW" issued at T420 to the printer 200.

[0117] When the migration code "WWW" is received from the server 10 in T422, the printer 200 displays the migration code "WWW" in T424. As a result, the user can know the migration code "WWW." In a modified example, the printer 200 may print the migration code "WWW."

[0118] T430 and T432 processing and Figure 3 The processing at T110 and T112 in the above example is the same. At T434, the printer 100 displays a notification screen SC4. This screen includes a message asking whether to change the printer used for the flat-rate printing service, a message prompting the user to enter a migration code, a migration code entry field, a YES button, and a NO button. Upon receiving the entry of the migration code "WWW" into the migration code entry field and selecting the YES button at T436, the printer 100 transmits a printer change request including the printer ID "AAA" of the printer 100 and the migration code "WWW" entered at T436 to the server 10 at T440.

[0119] When receiving the printer change request including the printer ID "AAA" and the migration code "WWW" from the printer 100 in T440, the server 10 performs authentication of the migration code in T442. Specifically, the server 10 determines whether the migration code "WWW" included in the printer change request is in the user table 38. In this embodiment, the server 10 determines that the migration code "WWW" is in the user table 38 (i.e., determines that the authentication is successful), and performs Figure 4 As described above, the user does not need to input account information to the terminal 50 to change the service target printer. This improves user convenience. In addition, the server 10 stores the migration code "WWW" and the printer ID "BBB" in association with each other in the user table 38. Therefore, the server 10 can appropriately register the printer 100 as the service target printer, rather than registering the printer 200 identified by the printer ID "BBB" associated with the migration code "WWW" included in the printer change request received in T440 as the service target printer.

[0120] (Corresponding relationship)

[0121] Migration code and migration code "WWW" are examples of "authentication information" and "specific authentication information", respectively. Figure 7The migration code request sent in T412 is an example of an "authentication information request." Notification screen SC4 is an example of a "notification screen." Entering the migration code "WWW" into the migration code input field and selecting the YES button on notification screen SC4 are examples of a "second predetermined operation." The processes in T412, T420, and T422 are examples of processes executed by the "authentication information request receiving unit," "second storage control unit," and "authentication information transmitting unit" of the "server," respectively.

[0122] (Variant 1) The "service" is not limited to the flat-rate printing service described in the above embodiment, and may be, for example, a metered-rate printing service. The metered-rate printing service is a service in which the number of printed sheets within a predetermined time period is counted every predetermined time period (for example, every month), and a fee is charged according to the number of printed sheets.

[0123] (Variant 2) The flat-rate printing service is not limited to the aspects described in the above embodiment. For example, the flat-rate printing service may be a service that allows printing using a preset number of CTGs at a fixed rate for each predetermined time period. In this variant, the number of times the CTG is replaced within the predetermined time period is an example of "service-related information." In another variant, the flat-rate printing service may be a service that allows printing using a preset number of color materials at a fixed rate for each predetermined time period. In this variant, the amount of color materials used within the predetermined time period is an example of "service-related information."

[0124] (Variant 3) In the above embodiment, the "server" is constructed as a single server 10. However, in a variant, the "server" may be constructed by a plurality of servers including a first server and a second server. In this variant, for example, the first server may execute Figure 2 The processing of T14 and Figure 3 In addition, the second server can execute Figure 2 T24, T42, T50, T52 and T80 processing and Figure 4 Processing of T150, T154, T158, T160, T162 and T190.

[0125] (Modification 4) The tables 38 and 40 of the server 10 may be stored in a database separate from the server 10. In this modification, the database is an example of the "memory" of the "server."

[0126] (Variation 5) The process of the printer 100 outputting the URL 1 is not limited to Figure 3's T122, and may be a process of, for example, displaying a barcode indicating URL1. In another variation, the printer 100 may provide URL1 to a near field communication (NFC) I / F. In this case, the NFC I / F stores URL1. Therefore, the printer 100 may send URL1 to the terminal 50 in response to moving the terminal 50 closer to the printer 100. In this variation, providing URL1 to the NFC I / F is an example of a process performed by the "output control unit" of the "first printer". In another variation, the printer 100 may send URL1 to the terminal 50 via a Bluetooth (BT) (registered trademark) I / F. In this variation, sending URL1 via the BT I / F is an example of a process performed by the "output control unit" performed by the "first printer".

[0127] (Variation 6) In the above embodiment, when an operation to install a single-use CTG is accepted ( Figure 3 T112, Figure 5 T212, Figure 6 T312 or Figure 7 ), the printer 100 displays a notification screen (SC1, SC3, or SC4). In a modified example, the printer 100 may display a notification screen when an operation to turn on the printer 100 is accepted. In this modified example, the operation to turn on the printer 100 is an example of a "first predetermined operation." In another modified example, the printer 100 may display a notification screen when an operation to use a setup button for setting the printer 100 as a service target printer is accepted. In this modified example, the operation to use the setup button of the printer 100 is an example of a "first predetermined operation."

[0128] (Modification 7) Each of the printers 100 and 200 may not be configured to use two types of CTGs (i.e., single-purpose CTG and general-purpose CTG), and may be configured to use only one type of CTG (e.g., general-purpose CTG; hereinafter referred to as "normal CTG"). In this case, Figure 2 In the T60, a conventional CTG can be installed instead of a single-purpose CTG. Figure 3 If a conventional CTG is installed in T112, a notification screen can be displayed in T114. Generally speaking, the "first printer" is not limited to using single-purpose color material cartridges and universal color material cartridges. Furthermore, the "first printer" is not limited to selectively operating in multiple modes, including a first mode and a second mode.

[0129] (Variant 8) Figure 4After sending the mode change request to the printer 200 in T150, the server 10 may skip T154 and T156 and execute T158. Specifically, in this modification, the server 10 may store the printer ID "AAA" in the user table 38 in association with the user ID "XXX" and the PW "YYY," update the cumulative sheet count to "0" in the sheet count table 40 without updating the current sheet count, and store the printer ID "AAA" instead of the printer ID "BBB." In general, the "information request sending unit," "current information receiving unit," and "update unit" of the "server" may be omitted.

[0130] (Variation 9) Even if the server 10 receives a printer change request from the printer 100, it is not necessary to send a mode change request to the printer 200. That is, in this variation, the server 10 may omit the printer change request. Figure 4 Generally speaking, the "mode change request sending unit" of the "server" can be omitted.

[0131] (Variant 10) When the operation mode of the printer 100 (or 200) is the service mode ON, the printer 100 (or 200) may be able to perform printing by using the single-purpose CTG, and may be able to perform printing by using the universal CTG. In this case, the printer 100 (or 200) may store the cumulative number of sheets of print media printed by using the single-purpose CTG, but may not store the cumulative number of sheets of print media printed by using the universal CTG.

[0132] (Variation 11) In the above embodiment, Figures 2 to 7 Each of the processes is implemented by software (eg, programs 36, 136, 236), but at least one of the processes may be implemented by hardware (eg, a logic circuit).

Claims

1. A first printer, characterized in that: include: Display unit; a communication interface for communicating with a server, wherein the server is configured to store, for each of one or more printers, printer identification information for identifying the printer, service-related information for providing a service using the printer, and account information of a user of the printer in association with each other, the service-related information being obtained by using information received from the printer; a display control unit configured to, upon accepting a first predetermined operation in a state in which second printer identification information for identifying a second printer, specific service-related information, and second account information are stored in association with each other in the server, cause the display unit to display a notification screen prompting a second predetermined operation, the second printer being different from the first printer, and the second predetermined operation being used to change a printer used for the service from the second printer to the first printer; and A printer change request sending unit, the printer change request sending unit being configured to, in a case where the second predetermined operation is accepted after the notification screen has been displayed, send a printer change request including first printer identification information for identifying the first printer to the server via the communication interface, wherein, in a case where the printer change request is sent to the server and the first account information input into a terminal device by a user of the first printer and received by the server from the terminal device is identical to the second account information stored in the server, the first printer identification information included in the printer change request is stored in the server in association with the specific service-related information, instead of the second printer identification information.

2. The first printer according to claim 1, wherein: Further include An output control unit, wherein the output control unit is configured to, in a case where the second predetermined operation is accepted after the notification screen has been displayed, cause the output unit to output location information indicating a location in the server, the location information indicating a location of input screen data representing an input screen for inputting the first account information, wherein in response to outputting the location information, the location information is obtained by the terminal device, the input screen data is sent from the server to the terminal device, and the input screen is displayed on the terminal device.

3. The first printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: in The output unit is the display unit, and The output control unit is configured to cause the display unit to display a code image in which the position information is encoded.

4. The first printer according to claim 1, wherein: in The server is configured to store, for each of the one or more printers, printer identification information for identifying the printer, service-related information for providing the service using the printer, account information of the user of the printer, an email address of the user, and cartridge identification information for identifying a color material cartridge that has been shipped to the user, in association with each other. The printer change request includes the first printer identification information and specific cartridge identification information for identifying a specific color material cartridge already installed in the first printer. in response to the printer change request being sent to the server, sending an e-mail from the server, the email includes a specific email address as a recipient address and location information indicating a location in the server, the specific email address being associated with the specific cartridge identification information included in the printer change request, and the location information indicating a location of input screen data representing an input screen for inputting the first account information, and In response to the electronic mail being sent, the position information is obtained by the terminal device, the input screen data is transmitted from the server to the terminal device, and the input screen is displayed on the terminal device.

5. The first printer according to claim 1, wherein: in The second predetermined operation includes an operation of inputting a specific e-mail address to the first printer, The printer change request includes the first printer identification information and the specific email address that has been entered, in response to the printer change request being sent to the server, sending an e-mail from the server, The email includes the specific email address included in the printer change request as a recipient address and location information indicating a location in the server, the location information indicating a location of input screen data representing an input screen for inputting the first account information, and In response to the electronic mail being sent, the position information is obtained by the terminal device, the input screen data is transmitted from the server to the terminal device, and the input screen is displayed on the terminal device.

6. The first printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: in The first printer is configured to use both a single-purpose color material cartridge for receiving the service and a universal color material cartridge different from the single-purpose color material cartridge, and The first predetermined operation includes an operation of installing the single-purpose color material cartridge into the first printer.

7. The first printer according to claim 6, characterized in that: in The first printer is configured to selectively operate in any one of a plurality of modes, the plurality of modes including a first mode in which the first printer is capable of performing printing by using the single-purpose color material cartridge and a second mode in which the first printer is capable of performing printing by using the universal color material cartridge and is not capable of performing printing by using the single-purpose color material cartridge. The display control unit is configured to cause the display unit to display the notification screen when the first printer operates in the second mode and accepts the first predetermined operation including the operation of mounting the single-purpose color material cartridge to the first printer, and The notification screen is not displayed when the first printer operates in the first mode and accepts the first predetermined operation including the operation of mounting the single-purpose color material cartridge to the first printer.

8. A computer-readable recording medium, characterized in that The computer-readable recording medium stores computer-readable instructions for a first printer, The first printer comprises: Display unit; a communication interface for communicating with a server, wherein the server is configured to store, for each of one or more printers, printer identification information for identifying the printer, service-related information for providing a service using the printer, and account information of a user of the printer in association with each other, the service-related information being obtained by using information received from the printer; and processor, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the first printer to function as: a display control unit configured to, upon accepting a first predetermined operation in a state in which second printer identification information for identifying a second printer, specific service-related information, and second account information are stored in association with each other in the server, cause the display unit to display a notification screen prompting a second predetermined operation, the second printer being different from the first printer, and the second predetermined operation being used to change a printer used for the service from the second printer to the first printer; and a printer change request sending unit configured to send a printer change request including first printer identification information for identifying the first printer to the server via the communication interface when the second predetermined operation is accepted after the notification screen is displayed, wherein, when the printer change request is sent to the server and the first account information input into a terminal device by a user of the first printer and received by the server from the terminal device is identical to the second account information stored in the server, the first printer identification information included in the printer change request is stored in the server in association with the specific service-related information, instead of the second printer identification information.

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