Computer program for terminal device, computer program for server capable of communicating with terminal device, and method for controlling system allowing terminal device to display information

Abstract

To provide a technology to display service guide information at a proper frequency.SOLUTION: A terminal device includes a display unit, a memory that stores identification information identifying a printing device capable of communicating with the terminal device, and a computer. A computer program for the terminal device allows the computer to function as a display control unit that allows the display unit to display service guide information guiding service adapted for the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory to a user of the terminal device. When a first condition is satisfied, where a specific period passes after the N-th service guide information (N is an integer of 1 or greater) is displayed on the display unit, the display control unit allows the display unit to display the N+1-th service guide information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a technique for displaying information on a terminal device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an information processing device that presents information introducing a consumables ordering service when the remaining amount of a printer consumables is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-021193 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above technology, information introducing the ordering service is displayed every time the remaining amount of a consumable decreases. For example, the frequency of use of a printer is not constant. When the printer is used less frequently, the information introducing the ordering service is not displayed, and the user may forget to sign up for the ordering service. On the other hand, when the printer is used more frequently, the information introducing the ordering service is displayed frequently, which may cause the user to feel uncomfortable. This specification provides a technology for displaying service guide information at an appropriate frequency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a terminal device. The terminal device includes a display unit, a memory that stores identification information for identifying a printing device that can communicate with the terminal device, and a computer, and the computer program causes the computer to function as a display control unit that causes the display unit to display service guide information that guides a user of the terminal device to a service that is compatible with the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the (N+1)th time of the service guide information when a first condition is satisfied that a specific period of time has elapsed since the Nth time (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) the service guide information was displayed on the display unit.

[0006] The first condition for displaying the (N+1)th service guide information is that a specific period of time has elapsed since the Nth service guide information was displayed, and the first condition is not easily affected by the frequency of use of the printing device. With the above configuration, the service guide information can be displayed at an appropriate frequency.

[0007] The above-mentioned terminal device itself, the above-mentioned terminal device control method, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the above-mentioned computer program are also novel and useful.

[0008] This specification further discloses a computer program for a server capable of communicating with a terminal device, the terminal device being configured to be capable of displaying service guide information for informing a user of the terminal device of services compatible with a printing device capable of communicating with the terminal device, the computer program causing a computer of the server to function as a transmitting unit that transmits an instruction to the terminal device to display the (N+1)th time the service guide information when a first condition is satisfied that a specific period of time has elapsed since the Nth time (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) the service guide information has been displayed on the terminal device.

[0009] The above-mentioned server itself, the above-mentioned server control method, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the above-mentioned computer program are also novel and useful.

[0010] This specification further discloses a control method for a system that displays information on a terminal device. The control method includes a display control step of displaying service guide information on the terminal device that guides a user of the terminal device to services that are compatible with a printing device that can communicate with the terminal device, and the display control step displays the (N+1)th service guide information on the terminal device when a first condition is satisfied that a specific period of time has elapsed since the Nth (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) time the service guide information has been displayed on the terminal device. The above system itself is novel and useful. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of each database. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the process of the application. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the display determination process. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the display process. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the process of the application. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a communication system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of a process implemented by the communication system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (First Example) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figs. 1 and 2) The communication system 2 includes a terminal device 10 and multiple printing devices 100, 200. The terminal device 10 is capable of communicating with each of the printing devices 100, 200 via a local area network (LAN) 4. The LAN 4 is wireless or wired. In a modified example, the number of multiple printing devices may be three or more. In another modified example, the communication system 2 may include only one printing device 100.

[0013] The terminal device 10 is a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. Each of the printing devices 100, 200 is a peripheral device (for example, a peripheral device of the terminal device 10) capable of executing a printing function. In a modified example, the printing device (for example, the printing device 100) may be a multi-function machine having multiple functions such as a scanning function and a FAX function in addition to the printing function.

[0014] The printing function is realized by a print engine that operates in an electrophotographic, inkjet, or thermal manner. An electrophotographic print engine includes a photoconductor and an exposure device that emits light to expose the photoconductor. An inkjet print engine includes a print head that ejects ink droplets. A thermal print engine includes a print head that generates heat using a heater.

[0015] (Configuration of terminal device 10; Figs. 1 and 2) The terminal device 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a LAN interface 16, and a control unit 30. In the following, "interface" will be abbreviated as "I / F".

[0016] The operation unit 12 has a plurality of keys. A user can input various instructions to the terminal device 10 by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display that displays various information. The display unit 14 may function as a touch screen, that is, an operation unit that accepts user operations. The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The LAN I / F 16 is an I / F for performing communication via the LAN 4, and is connected to the LAN 4.

[0017] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device includes, for example, a RAM and a cache memory. The auxiliary storage device may be, for example, a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), or a ROM, or a combination thereof.

[0018] The memory 34 stores an OS program 40 and an application program 42 (hereinafter, referred to as "app 42"). The OS program 40 is a program for controlling the basic operation of the terminal device 10. The app 42 is a program for controlling a printing device (e.g., the printing device 100) via the LAN 4. For example, when a plurality of printing devices are connected to the LAN 4, the app 42 can control the plurality of printing devices. Each of the programs 40 and 42 is stored in an auxiliary storage device of the memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes according to each of the programs 40 and 42 loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device. The app 42 executes access to hardware such as the display unit 14 via the OS program 40. In the following description, the process executed by the OS program 40 in the access of the app 42 to the hardware is omitted.

[0019] In addition to controlling the printing device, the application 42 has a function of displaying a service guide screen SC1 that guides the user to services related to the printing device. Here, the service is, for example, a shipping service that automatically ships a new color cartridge when the remaining amount of the color cartridge installed in the printing device falls below a predetermined value. The color cartridge is, for example, an ink cartridge or a toner cartridge.

[0020] The service guide screen SC1 is a pop-up screen. In a modified example, the service guide screen SC1 may be a notification screen such as a banner or a toast. The service guide screen SC1 includes a message M1, a first button BT1, a second button BT2, and an end button BT3. The message M1 is a message that prompts the user to subscribe to the service. The first button BT1 is a button for proceeding to a subscription process for subscribing to the service. For example, a URL indicating a Web page for subscribing to the service is assigned to the first button BT1. When the first button BT1 is selected, the application 42 starts a browser program. Then, the browser program displays the Web page indicated by the URL assigned to the first button BT1. In this case, the service guide screen SC1 is hidden by the Web page. In a modified example, the application 42 may display a screen for subscribing to the service instead of the service guide screen SC1.

[0021] The second button BT2 is a button for not proceeding to the above-mentioned subscription process. When the second button BT2 is selected, the display of the service guide screen SC1 ends. The exit button BT3 is another button for ending the display of the service guide screen SC1.

[0022] For example, when the application 42 is in a state in which it can control a plurality of printing devices, the application 42 displays a service guide screen SC1 for each of the plurality of printing devices. For example, a situation may be assumed in which the model of a first printing device is different from the model of a second printing device. In this case, the URL assigned to the first button BT1 in the service guide screen SC1 for the first printing device may be different from the URL assigned to the first button BT1 in the service guide screen SC1 for the second printing device. This is because, for example, a color material cartridge compatible with the first printing device is different from a color material cartridge compatible with the second printing device.

[0023] The memory 34 further stores a management database 50 , a display history database 52 , an operation history database 54 , and a model database 56 .

[0024] The management database 50 is a database that manages a plurality of printing devices that can be controlled by the application 42. The management database 50 stores, for each of a plurality of printing devices, a device ID, a model name, a remaining amount, a replacement interval, a number of printed pages, service information, and an update date in association with each other. The device ID is an ID that identifies the corresponding printing device. The model name indicates the model of the corresponding printing device. The remaining amount is the remaining amount of the color material cartridge currently installed in the corresponding printing device. The replacement interval is the average interval at which the color material cartridge is replaced. The number of printed pages is the number of printed pages per unit month in the corresponding printing device. The service information indicates the subscription status of the service in the corresponding printing device. For example, if the corresponding printing device is currently subscribed to the service, the service information indicates "subscribed". Also, if the corresponding printing device has never subscribed to the service, the service information indicates "not subscribed". Also, if the corresponding printing device has subscribed to the service in the past but is not currently subscribed to the service, the service information indicates the date and time when the use of the service ended (i.e., the date and time when the service was unsubscribed). Here, status information including the remaining amount, replacement interval, number of printed pages, and service information is received from each printing device and stored in the management database 50. The update date indicates the date and time when the status information in the management database 50 was updated.

[0025] The display history database 52 is a database that stores the history of displaying the service guide screen SC1 of each of a plurality of printing devices that can be controlled by the application 42. The display history database 52 stores, for each of a plurality of printing devices, a device ID, a display date and time, and a display count in association with each other. The display date and time is the date and time when the service guide screen SC1 was last displayed on the corresponding printing device. The display count is the cumulative number of times the service guide screen SC1 was displayed on the corresponding printing device.

[0026] The operation history database 54 is a database that stores the history of operations on the service guide screen SC1 of each of the multiple printing devices that can be controlled by the application 42. The operation history database 54 stores, for each of the multiple printing devices, a device ID, a first number of times, a second number of times, and a viewing time in association with each other. The first number of times is the number of times the first button BT1 on the service guide screen SC1 is selected. The second number of times is the number of times the second button BT2 on the service guide screen SC1 is selected. The viewing time is the average time during which the service guide screen SC1 is viewed by the user. The viewing time is, for example, the time from the start of displaying the service guide screen SC1 to the end of displaying it. In addition, the viewing time is, for example, the time from the start of displaying the service guide screen SC1 to the time the service guide screen SC1 is hidden by another screen. In a modified example, the viewing time may be the maximum value, median value, or the like of the time during which the service guide screen SC1 is viewed by the user.

[0027] The model database 56 is a database that stores information on a plurality of types of models. The model database 56 stores, for each of a plurality of types of models, a model name, service compatibility information, large capacity information, and target information in association with each other. The service compatibility information indicates one of the values ​​"compatible" and "uncompatible". The service compatibility information "compatible" indicates that the corresponding model can subscribe to the service. The service compatibility information "uncompatible" indicates that the corresponding model cannot subscribe to the service. The large capacity information indicates one of the values ​​"compatible" and "uncompatible". The large capacity information "compatible" indicates that a large capacity color material cartridge that can be installed in the corresponding model exists. The large capacity information "uncompatible" indicates that a large capacity color material cartridge that can be installed in the corresponding model does not exist. The target information indicates a target that is predicted to purchase the corresponding model. The target information indicates, for example, "household", "individual business / private enterprise", and "small and medium-sized enterprise".

[0028] (App processing; Figure 3) With reference to FIG. 3, a process executed by the CPU 32 in accordance with the application 42 will be described. The process in FIG. 3 is executed with the start of the application 42 as a trigger. When the application 42 is started, the CPU 32 displays a main screen SC2 on the display unit 14. The main screen SC2 includes a device button BT4 and a print button BT5. The device button BT4 is a button for setting the printing device to be controlled. When the device button BT4 is selected, the CPU 32 displays a setting screen SC3 on the display unit 14. The setting screen SC3 includes a select button BT6 and an add button BT7.

[0029] Selection button BT6 includes a list of printing devices managed by management database 50. For example, when model name "Model 1" is selected from the list of selection button BT6, CPU 32 determines the printing device 100 corresponding to model name "Model 1" as the printing device to be controlled. In this case, an icon indicating the printing device 100 to be controlled is displayed in device button BT4.

[0030] The Add button BT7 is a button for adding a printing device to the management database 50. For example, when the Add button BT7 is selected, the CPU 32 searches the LAN 4. When the CPU 32 finds a printing device that is not registered in the management database 50 from the LAN 4, the CPU 32 asks the user to confirm whether or not to add the searched printing device. When the user instructs the CPU 32 to add the searched printing device, the CPU 32 registers the searched printing device in the management database 50. Specifically, the CPU 32 stores a device ID that identifies the searched printing device in the management database 50.

[0031] The print button BT5 on the main screen SC2 is a button for causing the printing device to be controlled, which is indicated by an icon in the device button BT4, to execute printing. Specifically, when the print button BT5 is selected, the CPU 32 transmits print data to the printing device to be controlled via the LAN I / F 16. As a result, the printing device to be controlled executes printing according to the print data.

[0032] When application 42 is launched, CPU 32 executes the processes from S10 onwards in addition to displaying main screen SC2. In S10, CPU 32 receives status information from each of the multiple printing devices registered in management database 50 via LAN I / F 16.

[0033] In S12, the CPU 32 updates the management database 50 by storing in the management database 50 each piece of status information received in S10.

[0034] In S14, the CPU 32 identifies the printing device selected by the selection button BT6 in the setting screen SC3 (hereinafter, referred to as the "selected device"). The selected device is the printing device displayed as an icon by the device button BT4, and is the printing device to be controlled.

[0035] In S16, the CPU 32 executes a display determination process (see FIG. 4) for determining whether or not to display the service guide screen SC1 related to the selected device identified in S14. In S20, the CPU 32 determines whether or not it has been decided to display the service guide screen SC1 in the display determination process of S16. If the CPU 32 determines that it has been decided not to display the service guide screen SC1 (NO in S20), it skips S22, which will be described later, and proceeds to S30. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 determines that it has been decided to display the service guide screen SC1 (YES in S20), it proceeds to S22.

[0036] In S22, the CPU 32 executes a display process (see FIG. 5) that displays a service guide screen SC1. When the display process of S22 ends, the CPU 32 proceeds to S30. In S30, the CPU 32 monitors whether another printing device is selected as the printing device to be controlled on the setting screen SC3 in place of the selected device identified in S14. If another printing device is selected as the printing device to be controlled (YES in S30), the CPU 32 returns to S10.

[0037] Furthermore, if another printing device is not selected as a printing device to be controlled (NO in S30), the CPU 32 proceeds to S32. In S32, the CPU 32 monitors either the addition of a printing device to the management database 50 or the deletion of a device ID from the management database 50. If a printing device is added to the management database 50 (YES in S32), the CPU 32 returns to S10. If a device ID is deleted from the management database 50 (YES in S32), the CPU 32 returns to S10. Here, the deletion of the device ID is executed, for example, by inputting a deletion instruction on the setting screen SC3. The deletion instruction can be input, for example, by pressing and holding the selection button BT6. Note that, in a modified example, the deletion instruction may be input on a screen other than the setting screen SC3.

[0038] Furthermore, if the printing device is not added to the management database 50 and the device ID is not deleted from the management database 50 (NO in S32), the CPU 32 proceeds to S34. In S34, the CPU 32 monitors whether an instruction to end the application 42 is input to the operation unit 12. If an instruction to end the application 42 is not input to the operation unit 12 (NO in S34), the CPU 32 returns to S30. On the other hand, if an instruction to end the application 42 is input to the operation unit 12 (YES in S34), the CPU 32 ends the processing of FIG.

[0039] (Display decision process; Figure 4) The display determination process of S16 in Fig. 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In S50, the CPU 32 determines whether the selected device identified in S14 in Fig. 14 is compatible with the service. Specifically, the CPU 32 identifies the model name stored in association with the device ID of the selected device from the management database 50. The CPU 32 identifies the service compatibility information stored in association with the identified model name from the model database 56. Then, when the identified service compatibility information indicates "compatible", the CPU 32 determines that the selected device is compatible with the service.

[0040] When the CPU 32 determines that the selected device is suitable for the service (YES in S50), the CPU 32 proceeds to S52. On the other hand, when the CPU 32 determines that the selected device is not suitable for the service (NO in S50), the CPU 32 skips the processes from S52 onward and proceeds to S72. In S72, the CPU 32 determines not to display the service guide screen SC1. When S72 ends, the CPU 32 ends the process of FIG. 4.

[0041] In S52, the CPU 32 determines whether or not a service guide screen SC1 related to another printing device other than the selected device has been displayed on the display unit 14 between the start and end of the application 42. If the CPU 32 determines that a service guide screen SC1 related to another printing device has been displayed on the display unit 14 (YES in S52), the CPU 32 skips the processes from S54 onward and proceeds to S72. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 determines that a service guide screen SC1 related to another printing device has not been displayed on the display unit 14 (NO in S52), the CPU 32 proceeds to S54.

[0042] In S54, the CPU 32 identifies service information stored in association with the device ID of the selected device from the management database 50. Then, the CPU 32 judges whether the identified service information indicates "not subscribed". If the CPU 32 judges that the identified service information does not indicate "not subscribed" (NO in S54), the CPU 32 skips the processes from S56 onwards and proceeds to S72. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 judges that the identified service information indicates "not subscribed" (YES in S54), the CPU 32 proceeds to S56.

[0043] In S56, the CPU 32 determines a number upper limit value, which is an upper limit value of the number of times the service guide screen SC1 related to the selected device is displayed. In this embodiment, the number upper limit value is determined based on information indicating the current operating state of the selected device. The information indicating the operating state is, for example, the remaining amount, the replacement interval, and the number of printed sheets stored in the management database 50. For example, the CPU 32 determines the level indicating the operating frequency of the selected device to be one of "large", "medium", and "small" based on the information indicating the operating state. For example, the level "medium" indicates that the replacement interval is included in a predetermined value range, the level "large" indicates that the replacement interval is equal to or less than the lower limit of the predetermined value range, and the level "small" indicates that the replacement interval is equal to or more than the upper limit of the predetermined value range. When the CPU 32 determines the level "medium", it determines a default value (e.g., 3) as the number upper limit value. When the CPU 32 determines the level "large", it determines a value larger than the default value (e.g., 5) as the number upper limit value. When the CPU 32 determines the level "small", it determines a value smaller than the default value (e.g., 1) as the number upper limit value. In a modified example, each level may be determined by the number of printed sheets, or by the amount of change in the remaining amount per unit time. In another modified example, each level may be determined by a combination of at least two of the remaining amount, the replacement interval, and the number of printed sheets. In another modified example, the level indicating the operation frequency of the selected device is not limited to three levels, and may be two or four levels.

[0044] In S58, the CPU 32 identifies the number of times of display stored in association with the device ID of the selected device from the display history database 52. Then, the CPU 32 judges whether the identified number of times of display is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the number of times determined in S56. When the CPU 32 judges that the identified number of times of display is greater than the upper limit value of the number of times (NO in S58), the process proceeds to S72. On the other hand, when the CPU 32 judges that the identified number of times of display is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the number of times (YES in S58), the process proceeds to S60. By the judgment in S58 using the upper limit value of the number of times, it is possible to prevent the service guide screen SC1 from being displayed excessively repeatedly. In addition, the upper limit value of the number of times is determined based on the operation frequency of the selected device. For example, it is possible to encourage a user who operates the selected device frequently to subscribe to a service. In addition, it is possible to prevent the service guide screen SC1 from being displayed excessively repeatedly for a user who operates the selected device infrequently.

[0045] In S60, the CPU 32 determines a judgment period for determining whether or not to display the service guide screen SC1 related to the selected device. In this embodiment, the judgment period is determined based on information indicating the current operating state of the selected device, similar to the upper limit value of the number of times in S56. The CPU 32 determines the level indicating the operating frequency of the selected device to one of "high", "medium", and "low", similar to S56. When the CPU 32 determines the level "medium", it determines a default period (e.g., 7 days) as the judgment period. When the CPU 32 determines the level "high", it determines a period shorter than the default value (e.g., 3 days) as the judgment period. When the CPU 32 determines the level "low", it determines a period longer than the default value (e.g., 14 days) as the judgment period. For example, it is possible to repeatedly guide a service to a user who operates the selected device frequently at short intervals, thereby preventing the user from forgetting to subscribe to the service. In addition, it is possible to prevent the service guide screen SC1 from being repeatedly displayed at short intervals to a user who operates the selected device infrequently.

[0046] In S62, the CPU 32 identifies a display date and time stored in association with the device ID of the selected device from the display history database 52. The CPU 32 then determines whether or not the judgment period determined in S60 has elapsed since the identified display date and time. If the CPU 32 determines that the judgment period has not elapsed since the identified display date and time (NO in S62), the process proceeds to S72. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 determines that the judgment period has elapsed since the identified display date and time (YES in S62), the process proceeds to S70.

[0047] In S70, the CPU 32 determines to display the service guide screen SC1. When S70 ends, the CPU 32 ends the process of FIG.

[0048] (Display processing; Figure 5) The display process of S22 in Fig. 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In S100, the CPU 32 identifies the number of display times stored in the display history database 52 in association with the device ID of the selected device.

[0049] In S102, the CPU 32 determines the content of the message M1 in the service guide screen SC1 based on the number of times of display specified in S100. For example, the CPU 32 increases the amount of information to be displayed as the message M1 as the specified number of times of display increases. For example, when the number of times of display is "1", the message M1 is one sentence, and when the number of times of display is "2", the message M1 is two sentences. The two sentences are, for example, a sentence introducing the existence of the service and a sentence introducing the content of the service (for example, the delivery of a coloring material cartridge). In a modified example, the CPU 32 may reduce the amount of information to be displayed as the message M1 as the specified number of times of display increases. According to this configuration, the content of the service guide screen SC1 can be changed according to the number of times the user views the service guide screen SC1. It is expected that changing the content of the service guide screen SC1 will encourage a change in the user's behavior.

[0050] The information indicating the content of the message M1 is stored, for example, in a server (not shown) on the Internet that can be accessed by the application 42. The CPU 32 transmits the display count determined in S100 to the server, and receives the information indicating the content of the message M1 from the server. In a modified example, the information indicating the content of the message M1 may be stored in the terminal device 10.

[0051] In the next S104, the CPU 32 displays the service guide screen SC1 on the display unit 14. In S106, the CPU 32 updates the display history database 52. Specifically, the CPU 32 changes the display date and time stored in association with the device ID of the selected device to the current date and time, and increments the display count stored in association with the device ID of the selected device.

[0052] In S108, the CPU 32 monitors whether an operation is performed on the service guide screen SC1. The operation on the service guide screen SC1 is, for example, any one of the selection of the first button BT1, the selection of the second button BT2, and the selection of the end button BT3. The CPU 32 repeats the determination of S108 until an operation is performed on the service guide screen SC1. If an operation is performed on the service guide screen SC1 (YES in S108), the CPU 32 proceeds to S110.

[0053] In S110, the CPU 32 updates the operation history database 54. For example, when the first button BT1 is selected in S108, the CPU 32 increments the first number of times stored in the operation history database 54 in association with the device ID of the selected device. When the second button BT2 is selected in S108, the CPU 32 increments the second number of times stored in the operation history database 54 in association with the device ID of the selected device. The CPU 32 specifies the time from the start of displaying the service guide screen SC1 in S104 to the operation in S108. The specified time corresponds to the viewing time of the service guide screen SC1 displayed in S104. The CPU 32 calculates a new average value from the specified time and the viewing time stored in the operation history database 54 in association with the device ID of the selected device. Then, the CPU 32 stores the new average value as the new viewing time in the operation history database 54. When the process of S110 ends, the CPU 32 ends the process of FIG. 5.

[0054] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the process of FIG. 3 is executed every time the application 42 is started, and the service guide screen SC1 is repeatedly displayed by the display process of S22 of FIG. 3. Here, the condition for displaying the service guide screen SC1 is that a determination period has elapsed since the previous display time of the service guide screen SC1 (S60 of FIG. 4). For example, a comparative example is assumed in which the service guide screen SC1 is displayed when the remaining amount of the color material cartridge of the printing device 100 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. In this comparative example, when the printing device 100 is used less frequently, the service guide screen SC1 is not displayed, and the user may forget to subscribe to the service. On the other hand, when the printing device 100 is used more frequently, the service guide screen SC1 is displayed frequently, which may cause the user to feel uncomfortable. In contrast, the condition for displaying the service guide screen SC1 in this embodiment is based on the determination period and is not easily affected by the frequency of use of the printing device 100. The service guide screen SC1 can be displayed at an appropriate frequency.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the service guide screen SC1 is displayed when the determination period has elapsed since the previous display time of the service guide screen SC1 and the service information indicates "not subscribed." By using conditions based on the determination period, it is possible to suppress frequent display of the service guide screen SC1 and to guide only users who have not subscribed to the service to the service.

[0056] Also, for example, a situation is assumed in which communication with the printing device 100 fails in S10 of FIG. 3. In this case, the service information related to the printing device 100 in the management database 50 is not updated. However, the service information previously received from the printing device 100 is stored in the management database 50. If communication with the printing device 100 fails in S10, the CPU 32 uses the previously received service information to determine whether or not to display the service guide screen SC1 (S54 of FIG. 4). With this configuration, even if communication with the printing device 100 fails, the service guide screen SC1 can be displayed to guide the user to the service. Note that in a modified example, the above configuration of using previously received service information can be omitted.

[0057] Moreover, according to the configuration of this embodiment, a display determination process is executed for the selected device (S14, S16 in FIG. 3). In other words, a service guide screen SC1 for the selected device is displayed, and a service guide screen SC1 for other printing devices different from the selected device is not displayed. For example, a comparative example is assumed in which a service guide screen SC1 for the printing device 200 is displayed even though the user is using the printing device 100 as the selected device. In this comparative example, the user may mistakenly think that the service guide screen SC1 for the printing device 200 is the service guide screen SC1 for the printing device 100 that the user is currently using. In contrast, according to the configuration of this embodiment, a service guide screen SC1 for other printing devices different from the selected device is not displayed, so the user will not be confused.

[0058] Also, when the printing device 100 is selected as the selected device, a service guide screen SC1 related to the printing device 100 is displayed, and then the printing device 200 is selected as the selected device (YES in S30 in FIG. 3). In this case, a display determination process is executed for the printing device 200 (S16). For example, a comparative example is assumed in which the determination of S52 in FIG. 4 is not executed in the display determination process. In this comparative example, a service guide screen SC1 related to the printing device 200 may be displayed after the service guide screen SC1 related to the printing device 100 is displayed during the period from the start to the end of the application 42. If the service guide screens SC1 are displayed one after another, the user may feel uncomfortable. In contrast, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the service guide screens SC1 can be prevented from being displayed one after another by the determination of S52. In the modified example, the configuration of the comparative example described above may be adopted.

[0059] (Modification of the process of S50) In S50, the CPU 32 may identify the service suitability information and the large capacity information stored in association with the model name of the selected device from the model database 56. The CPU 32 may then determine whether the identified service suitability information indicates "suitable" and the identified large capacity information indicates "unsuitable." If the CPU 32 determines that the identified service suitability information indicates "suitable" and the identified large capacity information indicates "unsuitable" (YES in S50), it may proceed to S52, and otherwise (NO in S50), it may proceed to S72. This is because, for example, a shipping service may be designed to ship normal color material cartridges and not to ship large capacity color material cartridges.

[0060] (Modification 1 of the process of S56 and S60) The upper limit of the number of times in S56 and the judgment period in S60 may be determined based on information stored in the operation history database 54. The user's degree of interest in the service can be estimated from the information stored in the operation history database 54. For example, if the second number of times is greater than the first number of times and the viewing time is shorter than a predetermined value, it means that the user frequently selects the second button BT2 immediately. Since the user selects the second button BT2 immediately, it is estimated that the user is not interested in the service. In such a case, the CPU 32 may determine a value smaller than the default value as the upper limit of the number of times, and further determine a period longer than the default value as the judgment period.

[0061] Also, for example, if the second number of times is greater than the first number of times and the viewing time is longer than a predetermined value, it means that the user frequently selects the second button BT2 on the service guide screen SC1 while being hesitant. In such a case, the CPU 32 may determine a default value as the number of times upper limit value, and further determine a period longer than the default value as the judgment period.

[0062] Also, for example, if the second number of times is less than the first number of times and the viewing time is longer than a predetermined value, it means that the user frequently selects the first button BT1 on the service guide screen SC1 while being hesitant. In such a case, the CPU 32 may determine a value larger than the default value as the upper limit value of the number of times, and further determine the default value as the judgment period.

[0063] Also, for example, the second number of times being less than the first number of times and the viewing time being shorter than a predetermined value means that the user frequently selects the first button BT1 immediately. Since the user selects the first button BT1 immediately, it is inferred that the user is interested in the service. In such a case, the CPU 32 may determine a value greater than the default value as the number of times upper limit value, and may further determine a period shorter than the default value as the judgment period. Note that the above-mentioned specific determination method is merely an example. For example, the number of times upper limit value and the judgment period may be determined based only on the viewing time. In this case, the operation history database 54 may store the viewing time, and may not store the first number of times and the second number of times. Also, for example, the number of times upper limit value and the judgment period may be determined based only on the first number of times. Also, for example, the number of times upper limit value and the judgment period may be determined based only on the second number of times.

[0064] (Modification 2 of the process of S56 and S60) The upper limit value of the number of times and the judgment period may be determined based on the target information stored in the model database 56. For example, "individual business / individual enterprise" tends to use the delivery service more than "household" and "small and medium-sized enterprise". For example, when the target information corresponding to the selected device in the model database 56 indicates "individual business / individual enterprise", the CPU 32 may determine a value larger than the default value as the upper limit value of the number of times and a period shorter than the default value as the judgment period. Also, for example, when the target information corresponding to the selected device in the model database 56 indicates "household", the CPU 32 may determine a value smaller than the default value as the upper limit value of the number of times and a period longer than the default value as the judgment period. Also, for example, when the target information corresponding to the selected device in the model database 56 indicates "small and medium-sized enterprise", the CPU 32 may determine a default value as the upper limit value of the number of times and a default value as the judgment period.

[0065] The upper limit value of the number of times and the judgment period may also be determined based on the large capacity information stored in the model database 56. For example, when the large capacity information indicates "suitable", the CPU 32 may determine a value smaller than the default value as the upper limit value of the number of times and may also determine a period longer than the default value as the judgment period. This is because, as described above, the shipping service may be designed not to ship large capacity color material cartridges. Note that the specific determination method described above is merely an example. For example, the upper limit value of the number of times and the judgment period may be determined based on a combination of the target information and the large capacity information.

[0066] (Modification 3 of the process of S56 and S60) The method for determining the upper limit of the number of times may be different from the method for determining the judgment period. For example, the upper limit of the number of times may be determined based on information indicating the current operating state of the selected device, and the judgment period may be determined based on information stored in the operation history database 54. In addition, the upper limit of the number of times and the judgment period may be determined based on a combination of at least two of the information in the display history database 52, the information in the operation history database 54, and the information in the model database 56.

[0067] (Correspondence) The terminal device 10, the display unit 14, and the CPU 32 are examples of a "terminal device," a "display unit," and a "computer." The memory 34 and the application 42 are examples of a "memory" and a "computer program for a terminal device," respectively. The printing device 100 is an example of a "printing device." The printing devices 100 and 200 are examples of "multiple printing devices." The device ID and the device ID of the selected device are examples of "identification information" and "first identification information," respectively. The service guide screen SC1 is an example of "service guide information." The information in the operation history database 54 is an example of "information indicating the operation history" and "time continuously displayed." The remaining amount, replacement interval, and number of printed sheets are examples of "information indicating the operating status." The information in the model database 56 is an example of "type of available consumables" and "model of the printing device." The status information received in S10 of FIG. 3 (i.e., the remaining amount, replacement interval, number of printed sheets, and service information) is an example of "current status information." The condition determined in S62 of Fig. 4 is an example of the "first condition." The condition determined in S54 of Fig. 4 is an example of the "third condition."

[0068] The process of S22 in Fig. 3 is an example of a process realized by a "display control unit." The step realized by the process of S22 in Fig. 3 is an example of a "display control step."

[0069] (Second Example) (App processing; Figure 6) This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that the contents of the application process are different. The contents of the application process will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The trigger of the process in Fig. 6 is the same as the process in Fig. 3 of the first embodiment. In Fig. 6, the same processes as those in Fig. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0070] When the CPU 32 identifies the selected device in S14, it executes the determination of S216. In S216, the CPU 32 identifies the remaining capacity stored in association with the device ID of the selected device from the management database 50. The CPU 32 then determines whether the identified remaining capacity is equal to or less than a threshold. If the CPU 32 determines that the identified remaining capacity is equal to or less than the threshold (YES in S216), the CPU 32 proceeds to the processes of S16 to S34. On the other hand, if the identified remaining capacity is greater than the threshold (NO in S216), the CPU 32 proceeds to S218.

[0071] In S218, the CPU 32 monitors whether the print button BT5 on the main screen SC2 is selected. If the print button BT5 on the main screen SC2 is selected (YES in S218), the CPU 32 proceeds to the processes of S16 to S34. If the print button BT5 on the main screen SC2 is not selected (NO in S218), the CPU 32 returns to S10.

[0072] For example, the remaining amount being equal to or less than the threshold value means that it is nearing the time to replace the color material cartridge. When it is nearing the time to replace the color material cartridge, the user is more likely to be interested in the shipping service than when it is not yet time to replace the color material cartridge. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the service guide screen SC1 is displayed when it is likely that the user will be interested in the shipping service. It is possible to display the service guide screen SC1 at an appropriate time when it is likely that the user will be interested in the shipping service. Even in this case, excessive display of the service guide screen SC1 is suppressed by a judgment based on the judgment period (see S62 in FIG. 4).

[0073] 6, if communication with the printing device 100 fails, the CPU 32 executes the determination of S216 using the remaining amount previously received. With this configuration, even if communication with the printing device 100 fails, the service guide screen SC1 can be displayed to guide the user to the service. Note that in a modified example, the above configuration of using the remaining amount previously received can be omitted.

[0074] Also, for example, selection of the print button BT5 means that there is a high possibility that the user is looking at the display unit 14 while operating the operation unit 12. In such a situation, if the service guide screen SC1 is displayed, there is a high possibility that the user will view the service guide screen SC1. The service guide screen SC1 can be displayed at a timing when there is a high possibility that the user will view the service guide screen SC1. Note that even in this case, excessive display of the service guide screen SC1 is suppressed by a judgment based on the judgment period (see S62 in FIG. 4).

[0075] (Correspondence) The condition determined in S216 and the condition determined in S218 in FIG. 6 are examples of the "second condition" and the "fifth condition", respectively.

[0076] (Third Example) (Configuration of communication system 3; Fig. 7) The communication system 3 of this embodiment includes a terminal device 10, a plurality of printing devices 100, 200, and a server 300. The terminal device 10 of this embodiment stores an application 440. The application 440 has a function of controlling the printing devices and a function of displaying a service guide screen SC1, similar to the application 42 of the first embodiment. The application 440 further has a function of executing communication with the server 300. The terminal device 10 and the plurality of printing devices 100, 200 can communicate with each other via a LAN 4. The LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. The server 300 is connected to the Internet 6. A device on the LAN 4 (for example, the terminal device 10) can communicate with the server 300 via the Internet 6.

[0077] The server 300 manages a plurality of printing devices 100 and 200. Furthermore, the server 300 operates in cooperation with an application 440. The server 300 is installed, for example, by a vendor of the application 440. Note that the server 300 may be a single server or a unit combining a plurality of servers. The server 300 is a physical server or a virtual server.

[0078] As an example, a situation will be described in which the server 300 is a physical server. The server 300 includes a network I / F 316 and a control unit 330. The network I / F 316 is an I / F for performing communication via the Internet 6, and is connected to the Internet 6.

[0079] The control unit 330 includes a CPU 332 and a memory 334. The memory 334 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The memory 334 stores a program 340. The memory 334 further stores a management database 50, a display history database 52, an operation history database 54, and a model database 56. The CPU 332 executes the display determination process of FIG. 4 according to the program 340 loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0080] (Processing implemented by communication system 3: FIG. 8) In this embodiment, the server 300 establishes an XMPP connection with each of the multiple printing devices 100, 200 via the Internet 6 and the network I / F 316. XMPP is an abbreviation for eXtensible Messaging and Presence Protocol. The XMPP connection is a so-called constant connection, and is a connection that remains established until the power of the printing device is turned off. Note that in a modified example, instead of the XMPP connection, for example, an HTTPS connection or an MQTT connection may be established. HTTPS is an abbreviation for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. MQTT is an abbreviation for Message Queuing Telemetry Transport. Note that in the following, each device (for example, the server 300) will be described as the subject, rather than the CPU of each device (for example, the CPU 332 of the server 300).

[0081] At T10, the server 300 receives status information from each of the multiple printing devices 100, 200 using the XMPP connection. At T12, the server 300 updates the management database 50 by storing each piece of status information received at T10 in the management database 50. The processes of T10 and T12 are executed periodically.

[0082] In T20, the user inputs an application start instruction to the terminal device 10. The application start instruction is an instruction to start the application 442. When the terminal device 10 detects the input of the application start instruction in T20, the terminal device 10 starts the application 442. When the application 442 is started, the terminal device 10 displays a main screen SC2. Here, among the processes from T22 onward described below, the processes executed by the terminal device 10 are executed according to the application 442.

[0083] At T22, the terminal device 10 transmits a display determination request to the server 300 via the LAN I / F 16. The display determination request is a command requesting a determination as to whether or not to display the service guide screen SC1. The display determination request includes the device ID of the selected device displayed as an icon in the device button BT4 in the service guide screen SC1.

[0084] When the server 300 receives a display determination request from the terminal device 10 via the network I / F 316 in T22, in T24, the server 300 executes the display determination process of Fig. 4. The display determination process of this embodiment is similar to the display determination process of the first embodiment, except that the device ID in the display determination request is used. In this case, the server 300 decides to display the service guide screen SC1 (see S70 in Fig. 4).

[0085] At T26, the server 300 transmits a display instruction, which is an instruction to display the service guide screen SC1, to the terminal device 10 via the network I / F 316. Also, at T28, the server 300 updates the display history database 52 in the memory 334 (see S106 in FIG. 5). Note that in this embodiment, the server 300 determines that the service guide screen SC1 has been displayed on the terminal device 10 upon transmission of the display instruction, and updates the display history database 52. Note that, in a modified example, the server 300 may update the display history database 52 when receiving a notification from the terminal device 10 indicating that the service guide screen SC1 has been displayed.

[0086] When the terminal device 10 receives a display instruction from the server 300 via the LAN I / F 16 in T26, the terminal device 10 displays the service guide screen SC1 in accordance with the display instruction in T28. In T32, the user executes an operation on the service guide screen SC1.

[0087] When the terminal device 10 detects an operation on the service guide screen SC1 at T32, at T34, the terminal device 10 transmits operation information indicating which of the first button BT1, the second button BT2, and the end button BT3 has been selected to the server 300 via the LAN I / F 16. The operation information further includes the viewing time of the service guide screen SC1.

[0088] When the server 300 receives operation information from the terminal device 10 via the network I / F 316 in T34, the server 300 updates the operation history database 54 in T36 by using the operation information received in T34 (see S110 in FIG. 5).

[0089] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the condition for displaying the service guide screen SC1 is a condition based on the determination period and is unlikely to be affected by the frequency of use of the printing device 100. The service guide screen SC1 can be displayed at an appropriate frequency.

[0090] (Correspondence) The server 300 and the program 340 are examples of a "server" and a "computer program for a server", respectively. T26 in Fig. 8 is an example of a process realized by a "transmission unit". The step realized by the process of T26 in Fig. 8 is an example of a "display control step".

[0091] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and alterations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above-mentioned embodiments are listed below.

[0092] (Variation 1) The service guide screen SC1 is not limited to a screen displayed on the application 42, and may be, for example, a pop-up screen or a toast screen displayed on a browser program. Furthermore, instead of the service guide screen SC1, the terminal device 10 may add a message to the main screen SC2 to inform the user of the service. In this variation, the message added to the main screen SC2 is an example of "service guide information."

[0093] (Modification 2) The determination in S54 in Fig. 4 does not have to be executed. In this modification, the "third condition" can be omitted.

[0094] (Modification 3) In the display determination process of FIG. 4, when the service information corresponding to the selected device includes the date and time when the use of the service was terminated (hereinafter, referred to as "withdrawal date and time"), the CPU 32 may execute a determination using the withdrawal date and time in addition to the determination of S62. For example, the CPU 32 may determine to display the service guide screen SC1 when a determination period has elapsed since the previous display date and time and a predetermined period (e.g., one month) has elapsed since the withdrawal date and time (S70). On the other hand, the CPU 32 may determine not to display the service guide screen SC1 when a determination period has elapsed since the previous display date and time but a predetermined period has not elapsed since the withdrawal date and time (S72). In this modification, it is possible to prevent the service guide screen from being displayed in a short period of time after the user withdraws from the service. In this modification, the predetermined period having elapsed since the withdrawal date and time is an example of the "fourth condition".

[0095] (Modification 4) In the second embodiment, one of the decisions in S216 and S218 may be executed, and the other of the decisions in S216 and S218 may not be executed. Generally speaking, the "second condition" may be omitted, and the "fifth condition" may be omitted.

[0096] (Variation 5) In the second embodiment, the CPU 32 may execute the process proceeding to S16 in FIG. 6 based on a condition other than the conditions of S216 and S218. The other condition may be, for example, receiving a notification from the printing device 100, or the cumulative usage time of the printing device 100 exceeding a predetermined time. Here, the notification may be a notification indicating that a specific event has occurred in the printing device 100. The specific event may be, for example, that printing has been completed in the printing device 100, that a color material cartridge has been replaced in the printing device 100, or that an error has occurred in the printing device 100.

[0097] (Variation 6) In each embodiment, the communication systems 2 and 3 may include only one printing device 100 instead of multiple printing devices 100, 200. The technology of each embodiment can also be adopted in a system including only one printing device 100.

[0098] (Modification 7) The determination in S58 in Fig. 4 does not have to be performed. In this modification, the "upper limit value" can be omitted.

[0099] (Modification 8) The process of S56 in Fig. 4 does not have to be executed. In this modification, the upper limit value of the number of times does not have to be changed from the default value. In this modification, the "first determination unit" can be omitted.

[0100] (Modification 9) The process of S60 in Fig. 4 does not have to be executed. In this modification, the determination period does not have to be changed from the default period. In this modification, the "second determination unit" can be omitted.

[0101] (Modification 10) The process of S102 in Fig. 5 does not have to be executed. In this modification, the contents of the message M1 may be unchanged. In this modification, the "change unit" can be omitted.

[0102] (Modification 11) In the third embodiment, the server 300 may determine the date and time to display the service guide screen SC1 based on each database in response to receiving the display determination request in T22. Here, the date and time to display the service guide screen SC1 is the date and time after the determination period has elapsed since the previous display date and time. The server 300 may transmit the determined date and time to the terminal device 10 in T26. Then, the terminal device 10 may monitor whether the date and time determined by the server 300 arrives, and may display the service guide screen SC1 when the date and time determined by the server 300 arrives. In addition to determining the date and time to display the service guide screen SC1, the server 300 may determine, for example, the contents of the message M1 in the service guide screen SC1 and the contents of the trigger for displaying the service guide screen SC1 (for example, the remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined value). Then, the server 300 may transmit the determined contents to the terminal device 10 in addition to the determined date and time. The terminal device 10 may display the service guide screen SC1 based on the contents determined by the server 300. In this modification, the process of transmitting the determined date and time to the terminal device 10 is an example of a process realized by a "transmitting unit" and a "display control step".

[0103] (Modification 12) In the third embodiment, at least a part of each of the databases 50-56 may be stored in the terminal device 10. For example, each of the databases 50-56 may be stored in both the server 300 and the terminal device 10. Also, for example, a part of each of the databases 50-56 may be stored in the server 300, and the remainder of each of the databases 50-56 may be stored in the terminal device 10. A part of each of the databases 50-56 may be stored in both the server 300 and the terminal device 10, and the remainder of each of the databases 50-56 may be stored separately in the server 300 and the terminal device 10.

[0104] (Modification 13) In the above embodiment, the CPUs 32 and 332 execute the programs 40, 42, and 340 to realize the processes shown in Figures 3 to 6 and 7. Alternatively, any of the processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0105] In addition, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings exert technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies exemplified in this specification or drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful.

[0106] In the scope of the claims at the time of filing of this patent application, even if each claim is dependent on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the fact that each claim can be dependent on only those some of the claims. Each claim can also be dependent on other claims that are not dependent on it at the time of filing to the extent that there is no technical contradiction. In other words, the technology of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: The features of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below. (Item 1) A computer program for a terminal device, comprising: The terminal device A display unit; a memory for storing identification information for identifying a printing device capable of communicating with the terminal device; A computer, Equipped with The computer program causes the computer to: a display control unit that causes the display unit to display service guide information that guides a user of the terminal device to a service that is suitable for the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory; the display control unit causes the display unit to display the (N+1)th time of the service guide information when a first condition is satisfied that a specific period of time has elapsed since the Nth time (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of the service guide information has been displayed on the display unit; Computer program. (Item 2) 2. The computer program of claim 1, wherein the first condition is that the computer program is started after the specific period of time has elapsed. (Item 3) The computer program according to item 1 or 2, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the (N+1)th service information when both the first condition and a second condition that the remaining amount of a consumable of the printing device is equal to or less than a predetermined value are satisfied. (Item 4) The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the N+1th service information when both the first condition and a third condition of there being no history of use of the service are satisfied. (Item 5) The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the N+1th service information when both the first condition and a fourth condition that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the end of use of the service are satisfied. (Item 6) The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the (N+1)th service information when both the first condition and a fifth condition for sending a print instruction to the printing device are satisfied. (Item 7) The display control unit is when receiving current status information indicating a current status of the printing device from the printing device, when both the first condition and a condition based on the current status indicated by the current status information are satisfied, displaying the (N+1)th service guide information on the display unit; A computer program according to any one of items 1 to 6, which, when it is not possible to receive the current status information from the printing device, displays the N+1th service information on the display unit when both the first condition and a condition based on a past status of the printing device indicated by status information previously received from the printing device are satisfied. (Item 8) the memory stores, for each of the plurality of printing devices capable of communicating with the terminal device, the identification information for identifying the printing device; The display control unit is when a first identification information is selected from the plurality of pieces of identification information stored in the memory, displaying on the display unit first service guide information suitable for a first printing device identified by the first identification information; 8. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein when the first identification information is selected, other service guide information suitable for other printing devices identified by identification information other than the first identification information among the plurality of identification information is not displayed on the display unit. (Item 9) when second identification information different from the first identification information is selected from the plurality of pieces of identification information before the specific period of time has elapsed since the Nth display of the first service guide information on the display unit, the display control unit displays second service guide information suitable for a second printing device identified by the second identification information on the display unit; The computer program according to item 8, wherein when the first identification information is selected after the second service information is displayed, the display control unit does not display the first service information on the display unit even if the first condition is satisfied, that is, the specific period of time has elapsed since the Nth time the first service information is displayed on the display unit. (Item 10) The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the display control unit does not display the service guide information for the (N+1)th time or later on the display unit when the Nth time is an upper limit value. (Item 11) The computer program further causes the computer to functioning as a first determination unit that determines the upper limit value based on first information; The first information is information indicating a history of operations performed by the user on the terminal device while the service guide information was being displayed on the display unit; and A time period during which the service guide information is continuously displayed on the display unit; information indicating an operational status of the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory; A type of consumable available for the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory; and a model of the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory; and 11. The computer program according to item 10, wherein the computer program is at least one of the following: (Item 12) The computer program further causes the computer to functioning as a second determination unit that determines the specific period based on second information; The second information is information indicating a history of operations performed by the user on the terminal device while the service guide information was being displayed on the display unit; and A time period during which the service guide information is continuously displayed on the display unit; information indicating an operational status of the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory; A type of consumable available for the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory; and a model of the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory; and 12. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the computer program is at least one of the following: (Item 13) The computer program further causes the computer to 13. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the computer program functions as a change unit that changes the content of the (N+1)th service information from the content of the Nth service information. (Item 14) A computer program for a server capable of communicating with a terminal device, the terminal device is configured to be capable of displaying service guide information for informing a user of the terminal device of services compatible with a printing device capable of communicating with the terminal device; The computer program causes the server computer to functioning as a transmission unit that transmits to the terminal device an instruction to display the service guide information for the (N+1)th time when a first condition is satisfied that a specific period of time has elapsed since the service guide information for the Nth time (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) has been displayed on the terminal device; Computer program. (Item 15) A method for controlling a system for displaying information on a terminal device, comprising: The control method includes: a display control step of displaying, on the terminal device, service guide information that guides a user of the terminal device to a service that is compatible with a printing device that can communicate with the terminal device; The display control process is a control method for causing the terminal device to display the service information for the (N+1)th time when a first condition is satisfied that a specific period of time has elapsed since the service information for the Nth time (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1) has been displayed on the terminal device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 2: Communication systems 3: Communication systems 4: LAN 6: Internet 10: Terminal device 12:Operation unit 14:Display section 16: LAN I / F 30: Control section 32 :CPU 34: Memory 40: OS program 42: App 50: Management database 52: Display history database 54: Operation history database 56: Model Database 100:Printing device 200:Printing device 300 :Server 316: Network I / F 330: Control section 332 :CPU 334: Memory 340: Program 440: App 442: App BT1: First button BT2: Second button BT3: Exit button BT4: Device button BT5: Print button BT6:Select button BT7: Add button M1: Message SC1: Service information screen SC2: Main screen SC3: Setting screen

Claims

1. A computer program for a terminal device, comprising: The terminal device A display unit; a memory for storing identification information for identifying a printing device capable of communicating with the terminal device; A computer, Equipped with The computer program causes the computer to: a display control unit that causes the display unit to display service guide information that guides a user of the terminal device to a service that is suitable for the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory; the display control unit causes the display unit to display the (N+1)th time of the service guide information when a first condition is satisfied that a specific period of time has elapsed since the Nth time (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of the service guide information has been displayed on the display unit; Computer program.

2. The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein the first condition is that the computer program launches after the specified period of time has elapsed.

3. 2. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the N+1th service information when both the first condition and a second condition, in which the remaining amount of a consumable in the printing device is equal to or less than a predetermined value, are satisfied.

4. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the N+1th service guide information when both the first condition and a third condition of there being no history of use of the service are satisfied.

5. 2. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the N+1th service information when both the first condition and a fourth condition that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the end of use of the service are satisfied.

6. 2. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the N+1th service information when both the first condition and a fifth condition for sending a print instruction to the printing device are satisfied.

7. The display control unit is when receiving current status information indicating a current status of the printing device from the printing device, when both the first condition and a condition based on the current status indicated by the current status information are satisfied, displaying the N+1th service guide information on the display unit; 2. The computer program product according to claim 1, further comprising: a display unit that displays the N+1th service information when the current status information cannot be received from the printing device and both the first condition and a condition based on a past status of the printing device indicated by status information previously received from the printing device are satisfied.

8. the memory stores, for each of the plurality of printing devices capable of communicating with the terminal device, the identification information for identifying the printing device; The display control unit is when a first identification information is selected from the plurality of pieces of identification information stored in the memory, displaying on the display unit first service guide information suitable for a first printing device identified by the first identification information; 8. A computer program product according to claim 1, further comprising: a display unit that displays, when the first identification information is selected, other service information suitable for other printing devices identified by identification information other than the first identification information among the plurality of identification information.

9. the display control unit, when second identification information different from the first identification information is selected from the plurality of pieces of identification information before the specific period has elapsed since the Nth display of the first service guide information on the display unit, causes the display unit to display second service guide information suitable for a second printing device identified by the second identification information; 9. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein when the first identification information is selected after the second service information is displayed, the display control unit does not cause the first service information to be displayed on the display unit even if the first condition is satisfied, that is, the specific period of time has elapsed since the Nth time the first service information is displayed on the display unit.

10. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit is configured to not display the service guide information for the (N+1)th time or later on the display unit when the Nth time is an upper limit value.

11. The computer program further causes the computer to a first determination unit that determines the upper limit value based on first information; The first information is information indicating a history of operations performed by the user on the terminal device while the service guide information was being displayed on the display unit; and A time period during which the service guide information is continuously displayed on the display unit; information indicating an operational status of the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory; A type of consumable available for the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory; and a model of the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory; and 11. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the computer program product is at least one of:

12. The computer program further causes the computer to functioning as a second determination unit that determines the specific period based on second information; The second information is information indicating a history of operations performed by the user on the terminal device while the service guide information was being displayed on the display unit; and A time period during which the service guide information is continuously displayed on the display unit; information indicating an operational status of the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory; A type of consumable available for the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory; and a model of the printing device identified by the identification information stored in the memory; and 8. A computer program according to claim 1, wherein the computer program is at least one of the following:

13. The computer program further causes the computer to The computer program according to claim 1 , further comprising a change unit that changes the content of the Nth service guide information to the content of the N+1th service guide information.

14. A computer program for a server capable of communicating with a terminal device, the terminal device is configured to be capable of displaying service guide information for informing a user of the terminal device of services compatible with a printing device capable of communicating with the terminal device; The computer program causes the server computer to when a first condition is satisfied that a specific period of time has elapsed since the Nth (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) display of the service guide information on the terminal device, the first condition functions as a transmission unit that transmits an instruction to the terminal device to display the N+1th display of the service guide information; Computer program.

15. A method for controlling a system for displaying information on a terminal device, comprising: The control method includes: a display control step of displaying, on the terminal device, service guide information that guides a user of the terminal device to a service that is compatible with a printing device that can communicate with the terminal device; The display control process is a control method for displaying the service information for the (N+1)th time on the terminal device when a first condition is satisfied that a specific period of time has elapsed since the service information for the Nth time (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1) has been displayed on the terminal device.

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