Printing display system and display device

Abstract

Display related to the number of printed sheets is performed in a manner easy to understand by a user. In a printing system (1) provided with a first server (100A), a second server (100B), a printer (200), and a terminal device (300), the terminal device (300) displays print service screens (340A, 340B) by switching between a decrease display mode and an increase display mode. The decrease display mode is a mode in which the progress of the printing amount is represented by a circular progress indicator (342) whose length decreases as the number of printable sheets decreases, and the increase display mode is a mode in which the progress of the printing amount is represented by a circular progress indicator (344) whose length increases as the number of printable sheets increases.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing display system including a server, a printing device, and a display device, and the display device. Background Art

[0002] Printing services are known in the past, where users of printing devices pay a fee to a service provider corresponding to the printed content. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology that provides a delivery service for ink, a consumable item for a printer, based on a user-selected fee plan.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-082178 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] The above-mentioned conventional delivery service is a so-called subscription-based printing service, in which users pay a fee for using the delivery service for a certain period of time. In this subscription-based printing service, users can print free of charge within the certain period of time until they reach a predetermined number of prints.

[0007] On the other hand, there are also known so-called prepaid printing services in which users purchase printing rights for a fee and can print up to the number of prints guaranteed by the purchased printing rights. In these prepaid printing services, users can print until the number of prints guaranteed by the purchased printing rights reaches zero.

[0008] Due to the diversification of user printing environments, it is believed that there will be a need to switch between multiple print services, including the aforementioned subscription and prepaid methods. In this case, if the number of prints is displayed specifically for each print service, the display content that switches when the print service is switched may be difficult for the user to understand. Moreover, even without switching print services, it is conceivable that different users may understand the number of prints differently, and there is also a need to display the information related to the number of prints in the way that the user prefers.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a print display system and a display device capable of displaying the number of prints in a manner that is easy for a user to understand.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application invents a printing display system comprising: a server, a printing device and a display device, wherein the printing display system has a display switching unit, and the display switching unit is configured to be able to switch between a reduction display mode and an increase display mode and output a display signal to the display device, wherein the reduction display mode is a mode in which the progress of the printing amount is represented by a first image whose area or length decreases as the printing indicator amount decreases, and the increase display mode is a mode in which the progress of the printing amount is represented by a second image whose area or length increases as the printing indicator amount increases.

[0012] The print display system of the present invention includes a server, a printing device, and a display device, and further includes a display switching unit. The display switching unit switches between a decreasing display mode, which displays the progress of a print quantity using a first image whose area or length decreases as a print index decreases, and an increasing display mode, which displays the progress of a print quantity using a second image whose area or length increases as a print index increases, and outputs a display signal to the display device. The decreasing display mode displays the progress of a print quantity using a first image whose area or length decreases as a print index decreases, and the increasing display mode displays the progress of a print quantity using a second image whose area or length increases as a print index increases.

[0013] According to the present invention, the number of prints can be displayed in a display format desired by the user, and thus can be displayed in a format that is easy for the user to understand.

[0014] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application invents a display device that can communicate with a printing device, and the above-mentioned printing device is configured to selectively use a first service and a second service whose charging method for the number of prints is different from that of the above-mentioned first service to perform printing. The above-mentioned display device has a display switching unit, and the above-mentioned display switching unit is configured to switch from a display based on one of a reduction display mode and an increase display mode to a display based on the other mode when the service provision is switched from providing the above-mentioned first service to providing the above-mentioned second service. The above-mentioned reduction display mode is a mode in which the progress of the printing amount is represented by a first image whose area or length decreases as the printing indicator amount decreases, and the above-mentioned increase display mode is a mode in which the progress of the printing amount is represented by a second image whose area or length increases as the above-mentioned printing indicator amount increases.

[0015] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application invents a display device capable of communicating with a printing device, the above-mentioned display device having a display switching unit, and the above-mentioned display switching unit is configured to switch between a reduction display mode and an increase display mode to perform display, the above-mentioned reduction display mode is a mode in which the progress of the printing amount is represented by a first image whose area or length decreases as the printing indicator amount decreases, and the above-mentioned increase display mode is a mode in which the progress of the printing amount is represented by a second image whose area or length increases as the above-mentioned printing indicator amount increases.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the number of prints can be displayed in a manner that is easy for the user to understand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the printing system according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printer.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a terminal device.

[0021] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the overview of the on-demand print service and the subscription print service provided by the printing system.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a print service screen displayed on the touch panel of a terminal device when accepting provision of an on-demand print service.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a print service screen displayed on the touch panel of a terminal device when accepting provision of a subscription print service.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the print service screen when switching from the on-demand print service to the subscription print service.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the print service screen when switching from the ordered print service to the on-demand print service.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of control procedures executed by the CPU of the terminal device, the processor of the printer, the processor of the first server, and the processor of the second server when switching from the on-demand print service to the subscription print service.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of control procedures executed by the CPU of the terminal device, the processor of the printer, the processor of the first server, and the processor of the second server when switching from the subscription print service to the on-demand print service.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of a print service screen displayed on the touch panel of the terminal device when the reduced display mode is maintained during the order print service.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an example of screen transition when switching from the on-demand print service to the subscription print service while maintaining the reduced display mode.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of a print service screen displayed on the touch panel of the terminal device when the enlarged display mode is maintained in the on-demand print service.

[0031] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing an example of screen transition when switching from a subscription print service to an on-demand print service while maintaining the enlarged display mode.

[0032] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing an example of a print service screen in the order print service when the number of sheets including the carried-over number of sheets is initially displayed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] <Overview of Printing System>

[0035] Figure 1 An example of the structure of the printing system 1 according to the embodiment is shown. The printing system 1 is configured to selectively provide a plurality of printing services with different charging methods for the number of printed sheets. In this embodiment, the case where the printing system 1 provides, for example, an on-demand printing service and a subscription printing service will be described. Figure 1 In the example, printing system 1 includes a first server 100A, a second server 100B, a printer 200, and a terminal device 300. These first server 100A, second server 100B, printer 200, and terminal device 300 are connected to a network NT and can communicate with each other. Network NT includes, for example, the Internet or a mobile phone communication line. Printing system 1 is an example of a print display system, first server 100A and second server 100B are examples of servers, printer 200 is an example of a printing device, and terminal device 300 is an example of a display device.

[0036] <First Server>

[0037] The first server 100A performs provision of the on-demand print service. Figure 1 As shown, the first server 100A includes a processor 110A, a storage device 115A, and a communication interface 190A. The processor 110A, the storage device 115A, and the communication interface 190A are connected via a bus 105A so as to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0038] Storage device 115A includes a volatile storage device 120A and a nonvolatile storage device 130A. Volatile storage device 120A, for example, is a DRAM and stores various programs and data to be processed. Nonvolatile storage device 130A, for example, is a hard disk drive or solid-state drive and has a program storage area 131A and a data storage area 132A.

[0039] Various programs are stored in the program storage area 131A. Various programs include Figure 9 and Figure 10 The data storage area 132A stores data required for providing the on-demand print service, such as the number of printable sheets for each printer 200 to be managed.

[0040] Processor 110A is a data processing device, such as a CPU, and executes various programs stored in program storage area 131A. Processor 110A performs various processes including data communication with second server 100B, printer 200, and terminal device 300 connected to network NT.

[0041] The communication interface 190A is, for example, a wired LAN interface or a wireless interface for communicating with other devices, and is connected to the network NT.

[0042] <Second Server>

[0043] The second server 100B performs provision of subscription printing service. Figure 1 As shown, the second server 100B includes a processor 110B, a storage device 115B, and a communication interface 190B. The processor 110B, the storage device 115B, and the communication interface 190B are connected via a bus 105B so as to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0044] Storage device 115B includes a volatile storage device 120B and a nonvolatile storage device 130B. Volatile storage device 120B, for example, is a DRAM and stores various programs and data to be processed. Nonvolatile storage device 130B, for example, is a hard disk drive or solid-state drive and has a program storage area 131B and a data storage area 132B.

[0045] Various programs are stored in the program storage area 131B. Various programs include Figure 9 and Figure 10 The data storage area 132B stores data required for providing the subscription printing service, such as the number of printed sheets and the number of transferred sheets for each printer 200 to be managed.

[0046] Processor 110B is a data processing device, such as a CPU, and executes various programs stored in program storage area 131 B. Processor 110B performs various processes including data communication with first server 100A, printer 200, and terminal device 300 connected to network NT.

[0047] The communication interface 190B is, for example, a wired LAN interface or a wireless interface for communicating with other devices, and is connected to the network NT.

[0048] The storage devices 115A and 115B are not limited to the aforementioned configurations. For example, they may be composed of RAM, ROM, EEPROM, HDD, removable recording media such as USB memory that can be attached to or detached from the first server 100A or the second server 100B, buffers included in the processors 110A and 110B, or a combination thereof.

[0049] Alternatively, storage devices 115A and 115B may be computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media are non-transitory media. In addition to the examples mentioned above, non-transitory media also include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Furthermore, non-transitory media are also tangible media. This also applies to storage device 215 of printer 200, described later.

[0050] <Printer>

[0051] The printer 200 is owned by a user who accepts the provision of the above-mentioned on-demand printing service or subscription printing service, for example. Figure 2 As shown, printer 200 includes a processor 210, a storage device 215, a display unit 240, an operation unit 250, a communication interface 270, and a printing unit 290. These processor 210, storage device 215, display unit 240, operation unit 250, communication interface 270, and printing unit 290 are connected via a bus 205 so as to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0052] The storage device 215 includes a volatile storage device 220 and a non-volatile storage device 230. The volatile storage device 220 is, for example, a DRAM and includes an image data storage area 222 for storing image data to be printed. The non-volatile storage device 230 is, for example, an NVRAM or a flash memory and includes a program storage area 231 and a data storage area 232. Various programs are stored in the program storage area 231. Various programs include programs based on the following Figure 9 and Figure 10 The data storage area 232 stores various data for receiving the above-mentioned on-demand print service or subscription print service, such as the number of prints and the number of printable sheets.

[0053] The processor 210 is a device that performs data processing, such as a CPU, and executes various programs stored in the program storage area 231 .

[0054] The display unit 240 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and can display various information. The operation unit 250 is a device that receives user operations. The user can input various commands to the printer 200 by operating the operation unit 250. The communication interface 270 is a wired or wireless network interface for communicating with other devices and is connected to the network NT.

[0055] The printing unit 290 prints an image on a sheet conveyed by a conveying mechanism (not shown). The printing unit 290 prints an image on a sheet based on a print job sent from the terminal device 300 or a print job generated by the printing unit 290 based on an operation on the operating unit 250.

[0056] <Terminal Device>

[0057] Figure 3 FIG. 3 shows an example of the structure of the terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a portable terminal such as a smartphone owned by a user, and is connected to the network NT via wireless communication. Figure 3 As shown, the terminal device 300 includes a CPU 310 , a memory 320 , a communication control unit 330 for connecting to the network NT via wireless communication, a touch panel 340 , and a large-capacity storage device 350 .

[0058] The large capacity storage device 350 is, for example, a flash memory and includes a program storage area 351 and a data storage area 352. The program storage area 351 stores various programs, for example, as firmware. The various programs include the following: Figure 9 and Figure 10 CPU 310 executes various programs stored in program storage area 351. CPU 310 executes various processes including data communication with first server 100A, second server 100B, and printer 200 connected to network NT via communication control unit 330.

[0059] The terminal device 300 further receives various information displays and various user operations via a touch panel 340 formed by integrating a liquid crystal display and a touch pad. The user can input various instructions to the terminal device 300 by operating the touch panel 340 .

[0060] In addition, as the terminal device 300 , other information terminals such as a tablet computer, a notebook PC, and a desktop PC may be used instead of the portable terminal.

[0061] <On-demand print service and subscription print service>

[0062] Figure 4 The figure shows an overview of the on-demand print service and subscription print service provided by the printing system 1. First server 100A provides the on-demand print service. The on-demand print service is a printing service that increases the maximum number of printable sheets when printing images on sheets, based on the number of sheets guaranteed by the recharge of on-demand print permission purchased in response to a user's purchase request. The on-demand print service is an example of the first service, the number of printable sheets in the on-demand print service is an example of the first permitted print volume, the on-demand print permission is an example of purchased print permission, and the recharged number of sheets is an example of the first guaranteed print volume.

[0063] In a print-on-demand service, users pay a fee to purchase prepaid sheets in order to print. In other words, users pay funds using a so-called prepaid method. When a user requests the purchase of prepaid sheets on a terminal device 300, the identification information of the printer 200 and the purchase request for the prepaid sheets are transmitted to the first server 100A. Upon receiving the purchase request, the processor 110A of the first server 100A performs settlement processing for the prepaid sheets and adds the newly purchased prepaid sheet value to the printable sheet count for the specified printer 200. The printable sheet count is stored for each printer in the data storage area 132A of the non-volatile storage device 130A of the first server 100A. The added printable sheet count is then transmitted from the first server 100A to the printer 200, and the printable sheet count stored in the data storage area 232 of the non-volatile storage device 230 of the printer 200 is also updated.

[0064] When a print job is received from a user's terminal device 300, the processor 210 of the printer 200 executes printing. Print jobs are not limited to being received from the terminal device 300; they can also be received via the operation unit 250 of the printer 200 based on a user operation. The processor 210 of the printer 200 subtracts the number of printed sheets from the number of printable sheets stored in the data storage area 232 of the non-volatile storage device 230. The subtracted number of printable sheets is transmitted from the printer 200 to the first server 100A, and the printable sheet count stored for each printer in the data storage area 132A is also updated. When the processor 210 of the printer 200 receives a print job, it consumes the printable sheet count to execute printing.

[0065] Second server 100B provides a subscription print service. The subscription print service is a printing service that allows users to set the maximum printable number of sheets when printing images on sheets, based on the guaranteed contracted number of sheets guaranteed by subscription print authority granted to the user for a predetermined period under a fixed-rate payment contract. The subscription print service is an example of the second service, the printable number of sheets in the subscription print service is an example of the second permitted print volume, the subscription print authority is an example of fixed-rate printing authority, and the contracted number of sheets is an example of the second guaranteed print volume.

[0066] In a subscription printing service, users pay a fee for the use of the printing service within a predetermined period in order to print. There are a variety of contract plans that specify the maximum number of sheets that can be printed during the predetermined period, and the user selects one of these contract plans to sign a contract. If the number of sheets printed by the user during the predetermined period, i.e., the number of sheets printed, falls within the contract plan's number of sheets, printing can be performed without paying any additional fees. If the number of sheets printed during the predetermined period exceeds the contract plan's number of sheets, the user will be charged an additional fee corresponding to the number of sheets that exceeded the contract plan's number of sheets. The processor 210 of the printer 200 adds the number of sheets printed to the number of sheets printed stored in the data storage area 232 of the non-volatile storage device 230. The added number of sheets printed is sent from the printer 200 to the second server 100B, and the number of sheets printed stored for each printer in the data storage area 132B of the non-volatile storage device 130B is also updated. If the number of sheets printed during a scheduled period does not reach the contracted number of sheets, the remaining number of sheets, obtained by subtracting the number of sheets printed from the contracted number of sheets, is stored in data storage area 132B for each printer as a carry-over number with an expiration date during the next scheduled period. The number of sheets printed is an example of the actual print volume, the remaining number is an example of the remaining volume, and the carry-over number is an example of the carry-over volume.

[0067] In the printing system 1, the user can switch between the on-demand printing service and the subscription printing service as needed. When switching the printing service, the user can transfer the remaining prints used in the previous printing service to the next printing service.

[0068] <Display Screens in Each Print Service, Switching Between Display Screens When Switching Print Services>

[0069] Figures 5 and 6 FIG. 3 shows an example of a print service screen displayed on the touch panel 340 of the terminal device 300 when accepting the provision of the on-demand print service or the subscription print service. Figures 7 and 8 An example of switching of the print service screen displayed on the touch panel 340 of the terminal device 300 when switching the print service is shown.

[0070] First, use Figure 5 The print service screen for accepting the on-demand print service will be described. When the user starts the application for accepting the on-demand print service on the terminal device 300, the print service screen will be displayed. Figure 5 The print service screen 340A shown in (a) of FIG. 340A displays the printer ID "Printer01" of the printer 200 that the user can use and the number of sheets that can be printed by the printer 200. The print service screen 340A also displays a "Recharge" button for purchasing recharged sheets.

[0071] The number of printable sheets of the printer 200 is displayed by a numerical value 341 and a circular progress indicator 342 in a substantially circular shape. In the print service screen 340A of the on-demand print service, the number of printable sheets is displayed in a decreasing display mode. In the decreasing display mode, the length of the circular progress indicator 342 decreases as the numerical value 341 decreases, indicating the progress of the printing amount. The length of the circular progress indicator 342 refers to the portion inside the circular progress indicator 342, i.e., the portion of the circular progress indicator 342 that indicates the number of sheets that can be printed. Figure 5 The length of the black portion in . The numerical value 341 of the number of printable sheets is an example of a print indicator, and the circular progress indicator 342 is an example of a first image.

[0072] In this embodiment, the circular progress indicator has a partially cutout lower end. However, it may also have a cutout portion other than the lower end, or may have a continuous ring shape without a cutout. Alternatively, the circular progress indicator may be circular rather than ring-shaped, reducing its area to display the progress of the print volume. The shape of the progress indicator is not limited to a circle; for example, it may be a linear or rectangular shape.

[0073] exist Figure 5 In (a), for example, if a user purchases 100 recharged sheets, the printable number becomes 100. When the printable number reaches 100, circular progress indicator 342 is at its maximum length, i.e., it is in a full state. The maximum length of circular progress indicator 342 does not need to be 100 sheets; it can be switched based on the printable number at the time of recharge. When printing is executed from this state, the printable number value 341 decreases, and the length of circular progress indicator 342 decreases counterclockwise.

[0074] exist Figure 5 In (b), for example, if 50 sheets are printed and the number of printable sheets is reduced to 50, the length of the circular progress indicator 342 is reduced to approximately half. Figure 5In (c), for example, after printing 100 sheets, the number of printable sheets decreases to 0, and the length of circular progress indicator 342 becomes 0, i.e., it becomes empty. When the number of printable sheets reaches 0, printing cannot be performed on printer 200. In this case, the user presses the "Recharge" button to purchase an appropriate number of recharge sheets, thereby increasing the number of printable sheets and enabling printing.

[0075] Next, use Figure 6 The print service screen for accepting the provision of the order print service will be described. When the user starts the application for accepting the provision of the order print service in the terminal device 300, the print service screen will be displayed. Figure 6 The print service screen 340B shown in (a) of FIG. 340B displays the printer ID "Printer01" of the printer 200 that the user can use and the number of prints that the printer 200 can print. The print service screen 340B also displays the details of the contract plan and the number of copies that can be carried forward.

[0076] The number of sheets printed by the printer 200 is displayed by a numerical value 343 and a circular progress indicator 344 in a substantially circular shape. On the print service screen 340B in the print order service, the number of sheets printed is displayed in an increasing display mode. In the increasing display mode, the length of the circular progress indicator 344 increases as the numerical value 343 increases, indicating the progress of the printing amount. The length of the circular progress indicator 344 refers to the portion inside the circular progress indicator 344, i.e., the portion of the circular progress indicator 344 that is displayed. Figure 6 The length of the black portion in . The numerical value 343 of the number of prints is an example of a print indicator, and the circular progress indicator 344 is an example of a second image.

[0077] exist Figure 6 In (a), for example, the user has signed a monthly contract for 100 sheets, and the number of sheets carried over from the previous month is, for example, 30. Furthermore, the number of sheets printed that month is 0, and the length of circular progress indicator 344 is 0, that is, it is empty. When printing is executed from this state, the number of sheets printed value 343 increases, and the length of circular progress indicator 344 increases clockwise.

[0078] exist Figure 6 In (b), for example, 50 sheets are printed and the number of printed sheets increases to 50 sheets, and the length of the circular progress indicator 344 increases to approximately half. Figure 6 In (c), for example, 100 sheets are printed and the number of printed sheets increases to 100 sheets, and the length of the circular progress indicator 344 is the maximum, that is, it is in a full state.

[0079] In this example, since the carryover number is 30, the user can print up to 130 sheets by adding the carryover number to the contract plan number without paying any additional fees. Figure 6 (d), from Figure 6 From the state (c), further printing of 20 sheets is performed, for example, and the number of printed sheets increases to 120 sheets. At this time, the length of the circular progress indicator 344 increases again clockwise from the position of 0 after completing one circle, but the carry-over area 344a corresponding to the carry-over number of sheets in the number of printed sheets is displayed in a manner different from the contract area 344b corresponding to the contract package number of sheets but not corresponding to the carry-over number of sheets. Figure 6 In the example shown in (d), carry-over area 344a, corresponding to the 20 carry-over numbers within the carry-over number range, is displayed in a color (e.g., yellow) different from the color (e.g., blue) of contract area 344b. Carry-over area 344a is an example of the first display area, and contract area 344b is an example of the second display area.

[0080] In the subscription printing service, printing can be performed even if the number of sheets exceeds the number of sheets obtained by adding the number of sheets carried over from the contract plan, which in the above example exceeds 130 sheets. Figure 6 (e), from Figure 6 From the state (d), further printing of 20 sheets is performed, for example, and the number of printed sheets increases to 140 sheets. At this time, the length of the circular progress indicator 344 increases from Figure 6 The state (d) further increases clockwise, but the excess area 344c corresponding to the number of printed sheets of the excess fee payment amount is displayed in a manner distinguished from the above-mentioned carry-over area 344a and contract area 344b. Figure 6 In the example shown in (e), the excess area 344c is displayed in a color (e.g., red) that is different from the color of the carry-forward area 344a (e.g., yellow) and the color of the contract area 344b (e.g., blue). Furthermore, the area corresponding to the carry-forward number of 30 sheets is displayed as the carry-forward area 344a. The excess area 344c is an example of the third display area.

[0081] Next, use Figure 7 The following describes how the print service screen changes from the on-demand print service to the subscription print service. Figure 7 (a) is a print service screen 340A in the on-demand print service. By reducing the display mode, for example, when printing 50 sheets, the value 341 of the number of printable sheets is reduced to 50 sheets, and the length of the circular progress indicator 342 is reduced counterclockwise to approximately half. In this state, when the print service is switched from the on-demand print service to the subscription print service, the 50 sheets remaining in the on-demand print service are transferred as the number of sheets carried over from the subscription print service. In addition, Figure 7The print service screen 340A shown in (a) is switched to Figure 7 Print service screen 340B for the print ordering service shown in (b) of FIG. Print service screen 340B shows, for example, that a user has signed a monthly contract for 100 sheets, and the 50 sheets transferred are set as the carryover number. Furthermore, in print service screen 340B, the number of prints for the current month is displayed in increasing display mode, with circular progress indicator 344 showing a zero length, i.e., empty. When printing is executed from this state, the number of prints value 343 increases, and circular progress indicator 344 increases in length clockwise.

[0082] Next, use Figure 8 The following describes how the print service screen changes from the subscription print service to the on-demand print service. Figure 8 (a) is the print service screen 340B in the subscription print service, for example, the user has signed a contract package of 100 sheets per month, and the number of sheets carried over from the previous month is, for example, 30 sheets. In the print service screen 340B, by displaying based on the increase display mode, for example, the number of printed sheets increases to 50 sheets by printing 50 sheets, and the length of the circular progress indicator 344 increases clockwise to approximately half. In this state, when switching from the subscription print service to the on-demand print service, 80 sheets, which is the total number of remaining sheets and the number of carried-over sheets in the subscription print service, are handed over as the number of printable sheets in the on-demand print service. In addition, in this example, the remaining number of sheets is 50 sheets obtained by subtracting the number of printed sheets from the number of sheets in the contract package. In addition, Figure 8 The print service screen 340B shown in (a) is switched to Figure 8 Print service screen 340A for the on-demand print service shown in (b) of FIG. Print service screen 340A displays the 80 sheets that have been handed over as the printable number of sheets, using the display in decreasing display mode. As printing proceeds from this state, the printable number value 341 decreases, and the length of the circular progress indicator 342 decreases counterclockwise.

[0083] <Control Procedure When Switching Print Services>

[0084] pass Figure 9 and Figure 10 The timing diagram illustrates an example of control steps executed by the CPU 310 of the terminal device 300, the processor 110A of the first server 100A, the processor 110B of the second server 100B, and the processor 210 of the printer 200 in order to implement the above-mentioned display screen switching processing of this embodiment.

[0085] First, use Figure 9A description will be given of a case where a service is switched from providing an on-demand print service to providing a subscription print service.

[0086] exist Figure 9 In step S3 , CPU 310 of terminal device 300 displays print service screen 340A in the on-demand print service in the reduced display mode on touch panel 340 . In other words, CPU 310 outputs a display signal based on print service screen 340A in the reduced display mode to touch panel 340 .

[0087] Although not shown in the figure, transmission of a print job in the on-demand print service or transmission of a purchase instruction for the recharged number of sheets may be performed between the above-mentioned step S3 and the subsequent step S6 .

[0088] In step S6, CPU 310 of terminal device 300 determines whether the user has performed a print service switch operation from the on-demand print service to the subscription print service via touch panel 340. The print service switch operation may be, for example, an operation to exit the on-demand print service or an operation to join the subscription print service. If the switch operation has not been performed (step S6: No), CPU 310 repeats step S6. If the switch operation has been performed (step S6: Yes), the process proceeds to the next step S9.

[0089] In step S9 , the CPU 310 of the terminal device 300 transmits a request to exit the on-demand print service to the first server 100A. The request includes identification information of the printer 200 used by the user.

[0090] In step S12, the processor 110A of the first server 100A executes a process for exiting the on-demand print service based on the exit request transmitted from the terminal device 300. The processor 110A deletes the printer 200 corresponding to the identification information from the target of providing the on-demand print service.

[0091] In step S15 , the processor 110A of the first server 100A transmits a request for the number of printable sheets to the printer 200 in order to obtain the latest number of printable sheets.

[0092] In step S18 , the processor 210 of the printer 200 receives the request for the printable number of sheets transmitted from the first server 100A.

[0093] In step S21 , the processor 210 of the printer 200 temporarily prohibits execution of printing in order to prevent deviation in the count of the number of printable sheets.

[0094] In step S24 , the processor 210 of the printer 200 transmits the latest number of printable sheets to the first server 100A based on the request from the first server 100A received in step S18 .

[0095] In step S27 , the processor 110A of the first server 100A obtains the latest number of printable sheets sent from the printer 200 .

[0096] In step S30 , the processor 110A of the first server 100A transmits the printable number of sheets acquired in step S27 to the terminal device 300 .

[0097] In step S33, the CPU 310 of the terminal device 300 obtains the printable number of sheets sent from the first server 100A and confirms the handover to the order print service. In step S33, the user can select, for example, to handover all printable sheets, partially handover, or not handover at all.

[0098] In step S36, the CPU 310 of the terminal device 300 sends a request for transferring the printable number of sheets and a request to join the subscription print service to the second server 100B. The transfer request includes information such as the printable number of sheets, and the joining request includes information such as the identification information of the printer 200 used by the user.

[0099] In step S39, the processor 110B of the second server 100B receives the handover request and the join request sent from the terminal device 300. Based on the join request, the processor 110B executes a join process for the subscription print service. The processor 110B registers the printer 200 corresponding to the identification information as a target for subscription print service provision.

[0100] In step S42, the processor 110B of the second server 100B sends a request to check the printable number of sheets to the printer 200 to confirm the legitimacy of the handover. This request includes the printable number of sheets acquired from the terminal device 300 in step S39.

[0101] In step S45 , the processor 210 of the printer 200 checks whether the printable number transmitted from the second server 100B matches or is within the range of the latest printable number stored in the data storage area 232 of the nonvolatile storage device 230 .

[0102] In step S48 , the processor 210 of the printer 200 transmits the check result of the printable number of sheets in step S45 to the second server 100B.

[0103] In step S51, if the verification result sent from the printer 200 is valid, the processor 110B of the second server 100B sets the printable number of sheets obtained from the terminal device 300 in step S39 as the carry-over number of sheets. If the verification result is invalid, the processor 110B notifies the terminal device 300 of the fact.

[0104] In step S54 , the processor 110B of the second server 100B transmits a request to the first server 100A to delete the data related to the printer 200 corresponding to the identification information received in step S39 .

[0105] In step S57, processor 110A of first server 100A deletes data related to printer 200 based on the request sent from second server 100B. Simultaneously, the number of printable sheets stored in data storage area 232 of nonvolatile storage device 230 of printer 200 is deleted by the transferred number of sheets.

[0106] In step S60 , the processor 210 of the printer 200 releases the prohibition of execution of the printing started in the above-described step S21 .

[0107] In step S63, the processor 110B of the second server 100B sends a notification of completion of the switch from the on-demand print service to the subscription print service and the handover to the terminal device 300. The notification includes the details of the contract plan and the number of sheets to be carried forward set in step S51.

[0108] In step S66, CPU 310 of terminal device 300 displays print service screen 340B in enlarged display mode for the ordered print service on touch panel 340. In other words, CPU 310 outputs a display signal for print service screen 340B in enlarged display mode to touch panel 340. CPU 310 displays print service screen 340B reflecting information such as the number of transferred sheets received from second server 100B.

[0109] Through steps S3 and S66, CPU 310 of terminal device 300 switches from outputting a display signal for print service screen 340A in reduced display mode to outputting a display signal for print service screen 340B in increased display mode. Terminal device 300 executing steps S3 and S66 is an example of a display switching unit.

[0110] Next, use Figure 10 A description will be given of a case where the provision of services is switched from provision of subscription print services to provision of on-demand print services.

[0111] exist Figure 10In step S103 , CPU 310 of terminal device 300 displays print service screen 340B in the print order service in enlarged display mode on touch panel 340 . In other words, CPU 310 outputs a display signal based on print service screen 340B in enlarged display mode to touch panel 340 .

[0112] Although not shown in the figure, the transmission of the print job in the order print service may be performed between step S103 and the next step S106 .

[0113] In step S106, CPU 310 of terminal device 300 determines whether the user has performed an operation to switch the print service from the subscription print service to the on-demand print service via touch panel 340. The print service switching operation includes, for example, exiting the subscription print service or joining the on-demand print service. If the switching operation has not been performed (step S106: No), CPU 310 repeats step S106. If the switching operation has been performed (step S106: Yes), the process proceeds to the next step S109.

[0114] In step S109, the CPU 310 of the terminal device 300 transmits a request to exit the subscription print service to the second server 100B. The request includes identification information of the printer 200 used by the user.

[0115] In step S112, the processor 110B of the second server 100B executes a process for exiting the ordered print service based on the exit request transmitted from the terminal device 300. The processor 110B deletes the printer 200 corresponding to the identification information from the target of providing the ordered print service.

[0116] In step S115 , the processor 110B of the second server 100B transmits a request for the cumulative number of printed sheets to the printer 200 in order to obtain the latest cumulative number of printed sheets.

[0117] In step S118 , the processor 210 of the printer 200 receives the request for cumulative print count transmitted from the second server 100B.

[0118] In step S121 , the processor 210 of the printer 200 temporarily prohibits execution of printing in order to prevent deviation in the count of the cumulative number of printed sheets.

[0119] In step S124 , the processor 210 of the printer 200 transmits the latest cumulative number of printed sheets to the second server 100B based on the request from the second server 100B received in step S118 .

[0120] In step S127, processor 110B of second server 100B obtains the latest cumulative print count sent from printer 200 and calculates the number of prints for the contract period by subtracting the initial cumulative print count from the latest cumulative print count. The latest carryover number and remaining number of sheets are calculated by subtracting this print count from the carryover number and the contract plan number of sheets. In this case, priority is given to subtracting this print count from the carryover number of sheets. If there are still remaining sheets after subtracting this print count from the carryover number of sheets, this remaining number of sheets becomes the latest carryover number of sheets. If this print count exceeds the carryover number of sheets, the remaining number of sheets is subtracted from the contract plan number of sheets to obtain the remaining number of sheets.

[0121] In step S130, the processor 110B of the second server 100B transmits the remaining number of sheets and the carry-over number of sheets obtained in step S127 to the terminal device 300. If the carry-over number of sheets is 0, the processor 110B transmits the remaining number of sheets.

[0122] In step S133, CPU 310 of terminal device 300 obtains the remaining and carry-over numbers sent from second server 100B and confirms the handover to the on-demand print service. In step S133, the user can select, for example, to hand over all remaining and carry-over numbers, partially, or not hand over anything.

[0123] In step S136, CPU 310 of terminal device 300 transmits a request to transfer the remaining and carry-over numbers of sheets, and a request to join the on-demand print service, to first server 100A. The transfer request includes the contract plan number of sheets, the remaining number of sheets, the carry-over number of sheets, etc., while the join request includes the identification information of printer 200 used by the user.

[0124] In step S139, the processor 110A of the first server 100A receives the handover request and the join request sent from the terminal device 300. Based on the join request, the processor 110A executes a join process for the on-demand print service. The processor 110A registers the printer 200 corresponding to the identification information as a target for the on-demand print service.

[0125] In step S142 , the processor 110A of the first server 100A sends a request to the second server 100B to compare the number of contract plan tickets, the number of remaining tickets, and the number of carry-over tickets in order to confirm the legitimacy of the handover.

[0126] In step S145 , the processor 110B of the second server 100B checks whether the print number sent from the first server 100A is consistent with or within the range of the latest contract package number, remaining number, and carry-over number stored in the data storage area 132B of the nonvolatile storage device 130B.

[0127] In step S148 , the processor 210 of the printer 200 sends the comparison result of the contract plan number of sheets, the remaining number of sheets, and the carry-over number of sheets in step S145 to the first server 100A.

[0128] In step S151, if the verification result sent from printer 200 is valid, processor 110A of first server 100A sets the total of the remaining number of sheets and the carry-over number of sheets obtained from terminal device 300 in step S139 as the printable number of sheets. If the verification result is invalid, processor 110A notifies terminal device 300 of this fact.

[0129] In step S152 , the processor 110A of the first server 100A transmits a write instruction for the printable number of sheets set in step S151 to the printer 200 .

[0130] In step S153, based on the write instruction sent from the first server 100A, the processor 210 of the printer 200 writes the printable number of sheets into the data storage area 232 of the nonvolatile storage device 230. That is, the transferred printable number of sheets is charged to the printer 200.

[0131] In step S154 , the processor 110A of the first server 100A transmits a request to the second server 100B to delete the data related to the printer 200 corresponding to the identification information received in step S139 .

[0132] In step S157 , the processor 110B of the second server 100B deletes the data related to the printer 200 based on the request sent from the first server 100A.

[0133] In step S160, the processor 210 of the printer 200 releases the prohibition of execution of printing started in the above-mentioned step S121.

[0134] In step S163, the processor 110A of the first server 100A transmits a notification of completion of the switch from the subscription print service to the on-demand print service and completion of the handover to the terminal device 300. The notification includes the printable number set in step S151.

[0135] In step S166, CPU 310 of terminal device 300 displays print service screen 340A in the reduced display mode for the on-demand print service on touch panel 340. In other words, CPU 310 outputs a display signal for print service screen 340A in the reduced display mode to touch panel 340. CPU 310 displays print service screen 340A in a manner reflecting information such as the number of printable sheets received from first server 100A.

[0136] Through steps S103 and S166, CPU 310 of terminal device 300 switches from outputting a display signal for print service screen 340B in the enlarged display mode to outputting a display signal for print service screen 340A in the reduced display mode. Terminal device 300 executing steps S103 and S166 is an example of a display switching unit.

[0137] <Effects of Implementation>

[0138] The printing system 1 of this embodiment includes a first server 100A, a second server 100B, a printer 200, and a terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 switches between a decreasing display mode, in which a circular progress indicator 342 decreases in length as a numerical value 341 indicating the number of printable sheets decreases, and an increasing display mode, in which a circular progress indicator 344 increases in length as a numerical value 343 indicating the number of printable sheets increases. According to this embodiment, information related to the number of printable sheets can be displayed in a user-desired manner, thereby enabling a user-friendly display.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal device 300 displays the circular progress indicator 342, which indicates the number of printable sheets, as a generally ring-shaped progress indicator whose length decreases counterclockwise as the number of printable sheets decreases in the decreasing display mode. Furthermore, the terminal device 300 displays the circular progress indicator 344 as a generally ring-shaped progress indicator whose length increases clockwise as the number of printable sheets increases in the increasing display mode. This embodiment enables a display method that allows the user to easily and intuitively understand whether the number of printable sheets is decreasing or increasing.

[0140] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printing system 1 is specifically configured to selectively provide an on-demand print service and a subscription print service whose charging method for the number of prints differs from that of the on-demand print service. When the terminal device 300 switches from providing the on-demand print service to providing the subscription print service, the screen display of either a decreasing display mode or an increasing display mode is switched to the screen display of the other mode. According to this embodiment, when the printing service is switched from the on-demand print service to the subscription print service, the display method can be switched based on the user's concept of the on-demand print service and the subscription print service. According to this embodiment, the display related to the number of prints can be displayed in a manner that is easy for the user to view and understand.

[0141] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the terminal device 300 switches from providing a subscription print service to providing an on-demand print service, the screen display switches from the other of the decreasing display mode and the increasing display mode to the screen display of one of the modes. According to this embodiment, when the print service is switched from subscription print service to on-demand print service, the display mode can be switched based on the user's concept of on-demand print service and subscription print service. According to this embodiment, the display related to the number of prints can be displayed in a manner that is easy for the user to see and understand.

[0142] In this embodiment, the on-demand print service is a print service that increases the maximum number of printable sheets for printing images on sheets based on the amount of top-up guaranteed by the on-demand print permission purchased based on a user's purchase request. The subscription print service is a print service that sets the maximum number of printable sheets for printing images on sheets based on the number of contracted sheets guaranteed by the subscription print permission granted to the user for a predetermined period under a fixed-rate payment contract. When switching from providing the on-demand print service to providing the subscription print service, the screen display switches from a decreasing display mode to an increasing display mode. When switching from providing the subscription print service to providing the on-demand print service, the screen display switches from an increasing display mode to a decreasing display mode. According to this embodiment, if the user understands the concept that the on-demand print service decreases the number of printable sheets each time printing is executed, while the subscription print service increases the number of printable sheets each time printing is executed, the display mode can be switched accordingly. According to this embodiment, the information related to the number of prints can be displayed in a manner that does not cause discomfort to the user and allows the user to easily understand the content.

[0143] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal device 300 specifically displays the carryover area 344a corresponding to the carryover number of sheets in the print count, distinguishing it from the contract area 344b corresponding to the contract package number of sheets in the print count, but not corresponding to the carryover number of sheets. This embodiment allows the user to clearly distinguish and understand the contract package number of sheets and the carryover number of sheets in the print count, thereby improving user convenience.

[0144] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal device 300 specifically displays the excess area 344c corresponding to the excess charge payment amount in the print count, distinguishing it from the carryover area 344a and contract area 344b in the print count. This embodiment allows the user to clearly distinguish and understand the contract plan number, carryover number, and excess number in the print count, thereby improving user convenience.

[0145] <Modification>

[0146] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and technical concept thereof.

[0147] (1) When the print service is switched without switching the display mode

[0148] In the above embodiment, when switching between the on-demand print service and the subscription print service, the display mode of the print service screen is switched, but the present invention is not limited to this. Depending on the user, when switching print services, it may be desirable to maintain the display mode as it is. Therefore, it is also possible to display the screen in a different display mode when each print mode is added, and to maintain the display mode of the previous print service as it is when switching print services.

[0149] In this variation, similar to the above-described embodiment, when accepting the on-demand print service, the screen display is in the reduced display mode, while when accepting the subscription print service, the screen display is in the enlarged display mode. Furthermore, when switching the print service from the on-demand print service to the subscription print service, the reduced display mode is maintained even in the subscription print service. Similarly, when switching the print service from the subscription print service to the on-demand print service, the enlarged display mode is maintained even in the subscription print service.

[0150] Figure 11An example of a print service screen 340C is shown when the print order service is in the decreasing display mode. Print service screen 340C displays the number of printable sheets in the decreasing display mode. The number of printable sheets of printer 200 is indicated by a numerical value 345 and a circular progress indicator 346 in a generally ring-shaped pattern. In the decreasing display mode, the length of circular progress indicator 346 decreases as numerical value 345 decreases, indicating the progress of the print quantity. The numerical value 345 for the number of printable sheets is an example of a print indicator, and the circular progress indicator 346 is an example of a first image.

[0151] exist Figure 11 In (a), for example, the user has signed a monthly contract for 100 sheets, and the number of sheets carried over from the previous month is, for example, 30. Furthermore, the number of sheets printed for the current month is 0, and the number of sheets available for printing is 100. Therefore, circular progress indicator 346 is at its maximum length, i.e., it is in a full state. Furthermore, the number of sheets available for printing with the subscription printing service is the number of sheets printed for the current month minus the number of sheets printed for the current month. When printing is executed from this state, the printable number value 345 decreases, and the length of circular progress indicator 346 decreases counterclockwise.

[0152] exist Figure 11 In (b), for example, 50 sheets are printed and the printable sheet number 345 is reduced to 50 sheets, and the length of the circular progress indicator 346 is reduced to approximately half. Figure 11 In (c), for example, 100 sheets are printed and the printable sheet value 345 decreases to 0 sheets, and the length of the circular progress indicator 346 becomes 0, that is, it becomes empty.

[0153] In the subscription print service, printing can be performed even after the number of printable sheets reaches 0. In this example, since the number of carry-over sheets is 30, the user can print up to 130 sheets by adding the carry-over number to the contract plan number without paying extra. Figure 11 (d), from Figure 11 In the state shown in (c), for example, 20 sheets are further printed, and the number of prints increases to 120 sheets. Therefore, the value 345 of the number of printable sheets is displayed as exceeding 20 sheets. At this time, the length of the circular progress indicator 346 decreases counterclockwise from the full position after completing one circle, but the carryover area 346a corresponding to the carryover number of sheets is displayed in a manner different from the contract area 346b corresponding to the contract package number of sheets, which does not correspond to the carryover number of sheets. In addition, Figure 11 The length of the circular progress indicator 346 in the case of (d) refers to the portion of the circular progress indicator 346 indicating the contract area 346b, that is, Figure 11 The length of the white part in (d). Figure 11 The same is true for (e). Figure 11 In the example shown in (d), carry-over area 346a, corresponding to the 20 carry-over numbers within the carry-over number range, is displayed in a color (e.g., yellow) different from the color (e.g., blue) of contract area 346b. Carry-over area 346a is an example of the first display area, and contract area 346b is an example of the second display area.

[0154] In the subscription printing service, printing can be performed even if the number of sheets exceeds the number of sheets obtained by adding the number of sheets carried over from the contract plan, which in the above example exceeds 130 sheets. Figure 11 (e), from Figure 11 From the state (d), for example, 20 sheets are further printed, and the number of printed sheets increases to 140 sheets. Therefore, the value 345 of the number of printable sheets is displayed as exceeding 40 sheets. At this time, the length of the circular progress indicator 346 is increased from Figure 11 The number of printed sheets of the excess payment amount is further reduced counterclockwise from the state (d), but the excess area 346c corresponding to the number of printed sheets of the excess payment amount is displayed in a manner different from the above-mentioned carry-over area 346a and contract area 346b. Figure 11 In the example shown in (e), the excess area 346c is displayed in a color (e.g., red) that is different from the color of the carry-forward area 346a (e.g., yellow) and the color of the contract area 346b (e.g., blue). Furthermore, the area corresponding to the carry-forward number of 30 sheets is displayed as the carry-forward area 346a. The excess area 346c is an example of the third display area.

[0155] Figure 12 An example of screen transitions when switching from the on-demand print service to the subscription print service while maintaining the reduced display mode is shown. Figure 12 (a) shows a print service screen 340A for the on-demand print service. In print service screen 340A, the display is in reduction display mode. For example, if 50 sheets are printed, the printable number value 341 decreases to 50, and the length of the circular progress indicator 342 decreases counterclockwise to approximately half. In this state, when the print service switches from the on-demand print service to the subscription print service, the remaining 50 sheets in the on-demand print service are transferred to the subscription print service. Figure 12 The print service screen 340A shown in (a) is switched to Figure 12The print service screen 340C in the order print service shown in (b) of FIG. In the print service screen 340C, for example, it is shown that a user has signed a contract package of 100 sheets per month, and the 50 sheets handed over are set as the carry-over number of sheets. In addition, in the print service screen 340C, through the display based on the reduction display mode, the number of printable sheets for the month is 100 sheets, and the length of the circular progress indicator 346 is the maximum, that is, it is displayed as a full state. When printing is executed from this state, the value 345 of the number of printable sheets decreases, and the length of the circular progress indicator 346 decreases counterclockwise. As described above, in Figure 12 In the illustrated example, when the print service is switched from the on-demand print service to the subscription print service, the reduced display mode is maintained as is.

[0156] Figure 13 An example of a print service screen 340D is shown when the on-demand print service is in the enlarged display mode. Print service screen 340D displays the number of prints in the enlarged display mode. In the enlarged display mode, the length of a circular progress indicator 348 increases as a numerical value 347 increases, indicating the progress of the print quantity. The numerical value 347 for the number of prints is an example of a print indicator, and the circular progress indicator 348 is an example of a second image.

[0157] exist Figure 13 In (a), for example, if the user purchases 100 recharged sheets, the printable number becomes 100, but the number of printed sheets is 0, and the length of circular progress indicator 348 is 0, indicating an empty state. Furthermore, the purchase of 100 recharged sheets is displayed as the number of recharged sheets. When printing is executed from this state, the print number value 347 increases, and the length of circular progress indicator 348 increases clockwise.

[0158] exist Figure 13 In (b), for example, when printing is performed for 50 sheets and the value 347 of the number of printed sheets increases to 50 sheets, the length of the circular progress indicator 348 increases to approximately half. Figure 13 In (c), for example, if 100 sheets are printed, the print count value 347 increases to 100, and the circular progress indicator 348 is at its maximum length, i.e., it is in a full state. When the print count reaches 100, the top-up count, the printer 200 becomes unable to print. In this case, the user presses the "Top Up" button to purchase an appropriate number of top-up sheets, thereby increasing the printable count and enabling printing.

[0159] Figure 14 An example of screen transition is shown when the enlarged display mode is maintained when switching from the subscription print service to the on-demand print service. Figure 14(a) shows a print service screen 340B for the ordered print service. In print service screen 340B, the display is in increments mode, and, for example, when printing 50 sheets, the print count value 343 increases to 50, and the length of the circular progress indicator 344 increases to approximately half. In this state, when switching from the ordered print service to the on-demand print service, the total of 80 sheets, the remaining number of sheets in the ordered print service and the number of sheets carried over, is transferred as the printable number in the on-demand print service. Figure 14 The print service screen 340B shown in (a) is switched to Figure 14 The print service screen 340D in the on-demand print service shown in (b) of FIG. In the print service screen 340D, the 80 printable sheets that have been handed over are displayed as the recharged number of sheets. In addition, in the print service screen 340D, the number of prints is displayed as 0 sheets and the length of the circular progress indicator 348 is 0, that is, empty, through the display based on the increase display mode. When printing is executed from this state, the value 347 of the number of prints increases, and the length of the circular progress indicator 348 increases clockwise. As described above, in Figure 14 In the example shown, when the print service is switched from the subscription print service to the on-demand print service, the enlarged display mode is maintained as is.

[0160] In the above description, when the print service is switched from the on-demand print service to the subscription print service, the reduced display mode is maintained, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the print service is displayed in the enlarged display mode, the enlarged display mode may be maintained. Similarly, when the print service is switched from the subscription print service to the on-demand print service, the enlarged display mode is maintained, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the print service is displayed in the reduced display mode, the reduced display mode may be maintained.

[0161] In the variation described above, the terminal device 300 performs screen display based on one of the reduced display mode and the increased display mode when joining the on-demand print service, and performs screen display based on the other display mode when joining the subscription print service. When the terminal device 300 switches from providing the on-demand print service to providing the subscription print service, the screen display based on one of the reduced display mode and the increased display mode is maintained. In addition, when switching from providing the subscription print service to providing the on-demand print service, the screen display based on the other of the reduced display mode and the increased display mode is maintained. According to this variation, when switching the print service between the on-demand print service and the subscription print service, by maintaining the original display mode according to the user's needs, it is possible to display in a manner that does not cause a sense of disharmony for the user and is easy to view.

[0162] Furthermore, in this variation, terminal device 300 displays screens in an enlarged display mode when providing the subscription print service, and also displays screens in an enlarged display mode after switching from the subscription print service to the on-demand print service. According to this variation, if the user understands the subscription print service as a concept in which the number of prints increases with each print execution, the display related to the number of prints can be displayed in a manner consistent with the user's concept. By maintaining the display mode during the transition from the subscription print service to the on-demand print service, the user's familiar display mode can be maintained.

[0163] Furthermore, in this variation, terminal device 300 displays screens in a reduced display mode when providing the on-demand print service, and also displays screens in a reduced display mode after switching from the on-demand print service to the subscription print service. According to this variation, if the user understands the on-demand print service as a concept in which the number of printable sheets decreases with each print execution, the display related to the number of prints can be displayed in a manner consistent with the user's understanding. Furthermore, by maintaining the display mode during the transition from the on-demand print service to the subscription print service, the user can maintain the familiar display mode.

[0164] (2) When the number of sheets after the carry-over number is initially displayed

[0165] When setting an expiration date for the carry-over number of sheets in the subscription printing service, it is preferred for the user that the carry-over number of sheets be consumed earlier than the number of sheets in the contract package. Figure 11 In the print service screen 340C in the reduced display mode in the order print service shown, the number of sheets carried over from the beginning may be incorporated into the display.

[0166] Figure 15 FIG. 3 shows an example of a print service screen 340C displayed on the touch panel 340 in the order print service in this modification. Figure 15 In (a), for example, a user has signed a monthly contract for 100 sheets, and the number of sheets carried over from the previous month is, for example, 30. The printable number is set to 130, which is the result of incorporating the carryover number into the contracted number. When the printable number reaches 130, circular progress indicator 346 is at its maximum length, i.e., fully loaded. Furthermore, the area corresponding to the 30 carryover sheets is displayed as carryover area 346a, distinct from the contracted area 346b corresponding to the contracted number. When printing is executed from this state, the printable number value 345 decreases, and the length of circular progress indicator 346 decreases counterclockwise. This clearly indicates that the carryover number of sheets is consumed before the contracted number of sheets.

[0167] exist Figure 15In (b), for example, when printing is performed on 65 sheets, the value 345 of the number of printable sheets decreases to 65 sheets, and the length of the circular progress indicator 346 decreases to approximately half. Figure 15 (c), from Figure 15 From the state (b), printing of 65 sheets is further performed, for example, and the value 345 of the number of printable sheets decreases to 0 sheets, and the length of the circular progress indicator 346 becomes 0, that is, it becomes an empty state. Figure 15 (d), from Figure 15 From state (c), for example, 10 more sheets are printed, increasing the number of prints to 140. Therefore, the printable sheet value 345 is displayed as exceeding 10. At this point, the length of circular progress indicator 346 decreases counterclockwise from the full position after completing one full circle. However, the excess area 346c corresponding to the number of prints for the excess payment amount is displayed separately from the carryover area 346a and contract area 346b.

[0168] In addition, the above description is based on the print service screen 340C of the reduced display mode as an example, but it can also be Figure 6 In the print service screen 340B based on the enlarged display mode shown, the number of sheets carried forward is incorporated from the beginning. Figure 6 When printing is performed from the state shown in (a) and the length of the circular progress indicator 344 increases clockwise, the area corresponding to the number of carry-over sheets of 30 can be displayed as the carry-over area 344a at the initial part of the circular progress indicator 344. Figure 6 As shown in (c), the length of the circular progress indicator 344 can be maximized.

[0169] (3) When users can freely switch display modes

[0170] In the above embodiment, when the user switches the print service, the display mode is also switched in conjunction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the user can also switch the display mode at any time by performing a predetermined switching operation for switching the display mode, regardless of whether the print service is switched. In this way, whether providing on-demand print services or subscription print services, the user can freely switch between the screen display based on the reduced display mode and the screen display based on the increased display mode during the provision of a single print service.

[0171] Furthermore, when switching print services, it is possible to select whether to switch the display mode. For example, when switching from an on-demand print service to a subscription print service, if the user selects "allow switching," the display mode may be switched from reduced to increased, while if the user selects "disable switching," the display mode may be maintained. Furthermore, for example, when switching from a subscription print service to an on-demand print service, if the user selects "allow switching," the display mode may be switched from increased to reduced, while if the user selects "disable switching," the display mode may be maintained.

[0172] (4) Others

[0173] While the print service screens 340B and 340C of the print order service display the carryover and excess numbers in circular progress indicators 344 and 346, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the carryover and excess numbers may be displayed without being included in circular progress indicators 344 and 346, for example, simply as numerical values.

[0174] Alternatively, for example, the processor 110A of the first server 100A or the processor 110B of the second server 100B may execute part or all of the display mode switching process performed by the CPU 310 of the terminal device 300 described in the above embodiment. Figure 9 In step S3 shown in FIG. 1 , a display signal of the print service screen 340A in the reduced display mode is output to the terminal device 300. Alternatively, the processor 110B of the second server 100B may execute Figure 9 In step S66, a display signal of the print service screen 340B in the enlarged display mode is output to the terminal device 300. Alternatively, the processor 110B of the second server 100B may execute Figure 10 In step S103, a display signal of the print service screen 340B in the enlarged display mode is output to the terminal device 300. Alternatively, the processor 110A of the first server 100A may execute Figure 10 In step S166 shown, a display signal for the print service screen 340A in the reduced display mode is output to the terminal device 300. In this case, the first server 100A and the second server 100B are examples of a display switching unit.

[0175] In addition, for example, the processor 210 of the printer 200 may execute part or all of the display mode switching process performed by the terminal device 300 described in the above embodiment. Figure 9In step S3 shown in FIG. 1 , a display signal of the print service screen 340A in the reduced display mode is output to the terminal device 300. Alternatively, the processor 210 of the printer 200 may execute Figure 9 In step S66, a display signal of the print service screen 340B in the enlarged display mode is output to the terminal device 300. Alternatively, the processor 210 of the printer 200 may execute Figure 10 In step S103, a display signal of the print service screen 340B in the enlarged display mode is output to the terminal device 300. Alternatively, the processor 210 of the printer 200 may execute Figure 10 In step S166 shown, a display signal for the print service screen 340A in the reduced display mode is output to the terminal device 300. In this case, the printer 200 is an example of a display switching unit.

[0176] in addition, Figure 9 and Figure 10 The timing chart shown does not limit the present invention to the sequence shown in the above timing chart, and steps may be added, deleted, or the sequence may be changed without departing from the gist and technical concept of the invention.

[0177] In addition to the above, the methods of the above-mentioned embodiment and each modified example may be used in combination as appropriate.

[0178] In addition, although not all examples are given, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications added thereto without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0179] Description of Reference Numerals

[0180] 1 Printing system (an example of a print display system)

[0181] 100A First server (an example of a server)

[0182] 110A processor

[0183] 100B Second server (an example of a server)

[0184] 110B processor

[0185] 190B Communication interface (an example of a communication I / F)

[0186] 200 Printer (an example of a printing device)

[0187] 300 Terminal device (Example of display device or display switching unit)

[0188] 342 Circular Progress Indicator (Example in the first image)

[0189] 344 Circular Progress Indicator (Example in the second image)

[0190] 344a Carryover area (an example of the first display area)

[0191] 344b Contract area (an example of the second display area)

[0192] 344c Exceeding area (an example of the third display area)

[0193] 346 Circular Progress Indicator (Example in the first image)

[0194] 346a Carryover area (an example of the first display area)

[0195] 346b Contract Area (Example of Second Display Area)

[0196] 346c Exceeding the area (an example of the third display area)

[0197] 348Circular progress indicator (an example in the second image).

Claims

1. A printing and display system comprising: a server, a printing device, and a display device, The printing display system includes a display switching unit, which is configured to output a display signal to the display device by switching between a decreasing display mode and an increasing display mode, wherein the decreasing display mode is a mode in which the progress of the printing amount is represented by a first image whose area or length decreases as the printing indicator amount decreases, and the increasing display mode is a mode in which the progress of the printing amount is represented by a second image whose area or length increases as the printing indicator amount increases.

2. The printing display system according to claim 1, wherein: The first image is a substantially annular image, and in the reduced display mode, the area or length decreases counterclockwise as the print index decreases. The second image is a substantially annular image, and in the increasing display mode, the area or length of the second image increases clockwise as the printing index increases.

3. The printing display system according to claim 1, wherein: The print display system is configured to selectively provide a first service and a second service whose charging method for the number of printed sheets is different from that of the first service. The display switching unit is configured to switch from outputting the display signal in one of the reduction display mode and the increase display mode to outputting the display signal in the other mode when switching from providing the first service to providing the second service.

4. The printing display system according to claim 3, wherein: The display switching unit further switches from outputting the display signal in the other of the reduction display mode and the increase display mode to outputting the display signal in one of the modes when switching from providing the second service to providing the first service.

5. The printing display system according to claim 1, wherein: The print display system is configured to selectively provide a first service and a second service whose charging method for the number of printed sheets is different from that of the first service. The display switching unit is configured as follows: When the first service is subscribed, the display signal is output in one of the reduction display mode and the increase display mode. When the second service is subscribed, the display signal is outputted in the other of the reduction display mode and the increase display mode. When switching from providing the first service to providing the second service, output of the display signal in one of the reduction display mode and the increase display mode is maintained.

6. The printing display system according to claim 5, wherein: The display switching unit is further configured to maintain output of the display signal in the other of the reduced display mode and the increased display mode when switching from providing the second service to providing the first service.

7. The printing display system according to claim 1, wherein: The print display system is configured to selectively provide a first service and a second service whose charging method for the number of printed sheets is different from that of the first service. The display switching unit is configured as follows: When the first service is subscribed, the display signal is output in one of the reduction display mode and the increase display mode. When the second service is subscribed, the display signal is outputted in the other of the reduction display mode and the increase display mode. When switching from providing the second service to providing the first service, output of the display signal based on the other of the reduction display mode and the increase display mode is maintained.

8. The printing display system according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein: The first service is a service capable of increasing a first permitted print volume, which is an upper limit when printing an image on a sheet, according to a first guaranteed print volume guaranteed by a purchased print authority purchased based on a purchase request from a user. The second service is a service that enables setting a second permitted print volume, which is an upper limit for printing an image on a sheet, based on a second guaranteed print volume guaranteed by a fixed-quota print authority granted to the user for a predetermined period based on a fixed-quota payment contract. The one of the reduction display mode and the increase display mode is the reduction display mode, and the other is the increase display mode.

9. The printing display system according to claim 8, wherein: The print display system is configured such that, when providing the second service, if the actual print volume during one of the predetermined periods does not reach the second guaranteed print volume, the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the actual print volume from the second guaranteed print volume during the next predetermined period following the predetermined period is added to the second permitted print volume as a carry-over amount with an expiration date. The display switching unit is configured to output the display signal for displaying a first display area corresponding to the carry-over amount in the printing indicator amount in a manner distinguishable from a second display area not corresponding to the carry-over amount in the printing indicator amount.

10. The printing display system according to claim 9, wherein: The print display system is configured to enable printing exceeding the second allowed print volume by paying an excess fee different from the fixed payment by the user when the actual print volume during the predetermined period exceeds the second allowed print volume determined based on the second guaranteed print volume when providing the second service. The display switching unit is configured to output the display signal for displaying a third display area corresponding to the excess payment amount in the printing indicator amount in a manner distinguishable from a first display area and a second display area in the printing indicator amount.

11. A display device capable of communicating with a printing device, wherein the printing device is configured to selectively perform printing using a first service and a second service whose charging method for the number of printed sheets is different from that of the first service. The display device has a display switching unit, and the display switching unit is configured to switch from a display based on one of a reduction display mode and an increase display mode to a display based on the other mode when the service provision is switched from providing the first service to providing the second service. The reduction display mode is a mode in which the progress of the printing amount is represented by a first image whose area or length decreases as the printing indicator amount decreases, and the increase display mode is a mode in which the progress of the printing amount is represented by a second image whose area or length increases as the printing indicator amount increases.

12. A display device capable of communicating with a printing device, The display device includes a display switching unit configured to switch between a decreasing display mode and an increasing display mode to perform display, wherein the decreasing display mode is a mode in which the progress of the printing amount is represented by a first image whose area or length decreases as the printing index amount decreases, and the increasing display mode is a mode in which the progress of the printing amount is represented by a second image whose area or length increases as the printing index amount increases.

Images