Computer program for control device, control device, and method for controlling control device

Abstract

To provide a technology by which a user can easily recognize a first service screen.SOLUTION: A control device accepts designation of a specific printing device, and, if the specific printing device is a first-type printing device, the control device displays, at a display unit, a first service screen indicating a first service in a preferential manner compared to a second service screen indicating a second service different from the first service. The first-type printing device is capable of receiving provision of the first service, and allows execution of a printing function on the condition that first device information related to the specific printing device is registered in a first server that provides the first service.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This specification discloses a technique related to a control device that displays a service screen on a display unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printing system that includes a mobile terminal device, a printer, and a server. The server provides a printing service, which allows a user to use the printing function of the printer by paying a printing fee in advance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-110475 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This specification provides a technique that allows a user to easily recognize a screen related to a specific service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a control device. The computer program may cause a computer of the control device to function as the following units: an acceptance unit that accepts designation of a specific printing device, and a display control unit that, when the designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a first type of printing device, causes a first service screen indicating a first service to be displayed on a display unit in preference to a second service screen indicating a second service different from the first service, the first type of printing device being a printing device that is capable of receiving the first service and is permitted to execute a printing function on the condition that first device information regarding the specific printing device is registered in a first server that provides the first service.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when the control device receives a designation of a specific printing device and the specific printing device is a first type of printing device, the control device displays the first service screen in priority over the second service screen, so that the user can easily recognize the first service screen.

[0007] A computer-readable recording medium storing the above computer program, a control device implemented by the above computer program, and a method for controlling the control device are also novel and useful. Also novel and useful is a communication system including a control device and a specific printing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows the configuration of a communication system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of each table. [Diagram 3] 4 is an example of a home screen and a specification screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart of a screen display process executed by the terminal device. [Diagram 5] 13 is an example of a charge service screen displayed on the terminal device. [Figure 6] 13 is an example of a remote printing service screen displayed on the terminal device. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of a subscription service screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 8] This is a sequence diagram for cases A and B. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a screen display process executed by a terminal device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is an example of a subscription service screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is an example of a charge service screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart of a screen data transmission process according to a first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (First Example) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) 1, the communication system 2 includes a plurality of printers 10A and 10B, a terminal device 100, and a management server 200. The printers 10A and 10B, and the terminal device 100 are connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) 4. The printers 10A and 10B, and the terminal device 100 are capable of communicating with each other via the LAN 4. The printers 10A and 10B, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200 are connected to the Internet 6. The printers 10A and 10B, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200 are capable of communicating with each other via the Internet 6.

[0010] (Configuration of Management Server 200) The management server 200 is installed on the Internet 6 by a vendor (hereinafter, simply referred to as "vendor") of the printers 10A and 10B. The management server 200 may be a physical server, or a virtual server or virtual machine on the cloud. In this embodiment, as an example, a form in which the management server 200 is a physical server will be described. The management server 200 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers. The management server 200 may be a server on an intranet or a cloud server on the Internet 6. In a modified example, the management server 200 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business entity different from the vendor. In another modified example, the vendor may not prepare the hardware of the management server 200 by itself, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor may prepare a program (i.e., software) for the management server 200 and introduce it into the above-mentioned environment to realize the management server 200.

[0011] The management server 200 provides multiple types of printing services. The multiple types of services include a charge service, a remote printing service, and a subscription service (hereinafter, referred to as "subscription service"). The charge service is a service for which a charge is required. The charge service is a service for which a user pays a fee in advance and is able to print the number of sheets corresponding to the fee paid. Specifically, in the charge service, the fee (charged amount) paid in advance by the user is deducted each time a printing function is executed. The remote printing service is a service for which a charge is not required. The remote printing service is a service for which a print instruction can be sent to a printer via the management server 200 from outside the home. If a user subscribes to the remote printing service, the user can use the service without paying a fee. The subscription service is a service for which a charge is required. A subscription service is a service in which a fixed amount is charged if the number of printed pages in a specified period (e.g., one month) is equal to or less than the contracted number of printed pages (e.g., 1,000 pages), and if the number of printed pages in the specified period exceeds the contracted number of printed pages, a total amount is charged that is the fixed amount plus an amount corresponding to the number of printed pages exceeding the contracted number of printed pages. Note that the charge service and subscription service also include an automatic ordering service that automatically orders a new cartridge when the amount of ink remaining in a cartridge installed in the printer falls below a specified amount.

[0012] The management server 200 includes a communication interface 220 and a control unit 230. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F". The communication I / F 220 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 230 includes a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The memory 234 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. As an example, the main storage device includes a RAM and a cache memory. As an example, the auxiliary storage device may be a ROM, a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. In the auxiliary storage device of the memory 234, a program 240, a service table 242, and a user table 244 are stored. The CPU 232 realizes various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0013] (Configuration of printers 10A and 10B) The printer 10A is a peripheral device capable of executing a printing function. In a modified example, the printer 10A may be a multi-function device capable of executing a scanning function, a facsimile function, and the like in addition to the printing function. The printer 10A has a model name "MN1" and a device ID "DV1". The model name is a name indicating the model of the printer. The device ID is a name given by the printer administrator. In this embodiment, there are multiple types of printers including a first dedicated printer and a first general-purpose printer. The first dedicated printer is a printer that can receive a charge service and a remote printing service, but cannot receive a subscription service. The first dedicated printer is allowed to execute a printing function on the condition that the device ID of the printer is registered in the management server 200 as a printer that receives a charge service. That is, the first dedicated printer cannot execute a printing function unless the device ID of the printer is registered in the management server 200 as the first registration information described later. In addition, as long as the device ID of the first dedicated printer is registered in the management server 200 as a printer that receives the charge service, the execution of the print function is permitted even if the device ID is not registered in the management server 200 as a printer that receives the remote print service. The first general-purpose printer is a printer that can receive the remote print service and the subscription service, but cannot receive the charge service. As for the first general-purpose printer, the execution of the print function is permitted even if the device ID of the printer is not registered in the management server 200 as a printer that receives the service. The printer 10A is a first dedicated printer. The printer 10A includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, and a communication I / F 20.

[0014] The operation unit 12 is an I / F that allows a user to input various information to the printer 10A, and includes, for example, a touch screen, buttons, or both. The display unit 14 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. The panel may be, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The print execution unit 16 includes an inkjet, electrophotographic, or thermal print engine. The inkjet print engine includes a print head that ejects ink droplets. The electrophotographic print engine includes a photoconductor and an exposure device that emits light to expose the photoconductor. The thermal print engine includes a print head that generates heat by a heater. The communication I / F 20 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 20 may be a wired I / F or a wireless I / F.

[0015] 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 auxiliary storage device of the memory 34 stores a program 40 and a first service flag 42. The CPU 32 realizes various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device. The first service flag 42 indicates either "ON" indicating that the printer 10A is in a state where a charge service is provided, or "OFF" indicating that the printer 10A is in a state where a charge service is not provided. In the printer 10A, which is the first dedicated printer, when the first service flag 42 is "ON", execution of the print function is permitted, and when the first service flag 42 is "OFF", execution of the print function is prohibited. When the printer 10A is purchased, the first service flag 42 is set to "OFF". That is, when the printer 10A is purchased, execution of the print function of the printer 10A is prohibited. The memory 34 further stores information on the number of printable sheets that can be printed using the charge service (hereinafter, referred to as the "printable number of sheets"). The printable number of sheets increases as the user pays the fee, and decreases as printing is performed.

[0016] The printer 10B has a similar configuration to the printer 10A, except that the printer 10B has a model name "MN2" and a device ID "DV2" and is a first general-purpose printer. Since the printer 10B is a first general-purpose printer, execution of the printing function of the printer 10B is permitted at the time of purchase of the printer 10B.

[0017] (Configuration of terminal device 100) The terminal device 100 is a terminal device such as a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone), a PDA, a tablet PC, a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, etc. The terminal device 100 includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication I / F 120, and a control unit .

[0018] The operation unit 112 is an I / F that enables a user to input various information to the terminal device 100, and includes, for example, a touch screen, buttons, or both. The display unit 114 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. The panel is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The communication I / F 120 is connected to the LAN 4.

[0019] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The memory 134 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. An OS program 140 and an application program 142 are stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 134. Hereinafter, the OS program 140 and the application program 142 will be referred to as "OS 140" and "application 142", respectively. The OS 140 controls the basic operations of the terminal device 100. The application 142 causes the printer 10A or the like to execute a printing function. The CPU 132 realizes various processes according to the programs loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0020] (Configuration of tables 242 and 244; FIG. 2) The service table 242 and the user table 244 in the memory 234 of the management server 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0021] The service table 242 is a table for managing service information corresponding to each of a plurality of types of services provided by the management server 200. In the service table 242, service information, country information (e.g., "JP", "US"), and model name (e.g., "MN1", "MN2") are stored in association with each other. The service information includes charge service information corresponding to a charge service, remote printing service information corresponding to a remote printing service, and subscription service information corresponding to a subscription service. "ON" in the service table 242 indicates that the service indicated by the service information associated with the information is supported, and "OFF" indicates that the service is not supported. Each piece of information in the service table 242 is set by the administrator of the management server 200. In this embodiment, in service information associated with a specific model (e.g., "MN1") and specific country information (e.g., "JP"), both the charge service information and the subscription service information are not set to "ON".

[0022] The user table 244 is a table for managing the registration information of each service. In the user table 244, the account information, the first registration information corresponding to the charge service, the second registration information corresponding to the remote printing service, and the third registration information corresponding to the subscription service are stored in association with each other. The account information includes login information required to log in to the management server 200, address information indicating the user's address, payment information indicating the source of payment of the fee (e.g., a credit card number), and the like. The first registration information stores the device ID of the printer that receives the charge service. The second registration information stores the device ID of the printer that receives the remote printing service. The third registration information stores the device ID of the printer that receives the subscription service.

[0023] (Home screen and specification screen; Fig. 3) A home screen 300 and a specification screen 310 displayed on the display unit 114 of the terminal device 100 by the application 142 of the terminal device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The application 142 accesses each piece of hardware, such as the display unit 114, the memory 134, and the communication I / F 120, via the OS 136 to execute various processes. In the following description, the fact that the application 142 executes processes via the OS 140 will be omitted as appropriate. Communication between the devices is executed via a communication I / F (e.g., 20, 120, 220). Therefore, in the following description, when describing communication, the expression "via a communication I / F" will be omitted.

[0024] When the application 142 receives an operation for starting the application 142, the application 142 displays a home screen 300 on the display unit 114. The home screen 300 includes a print button 302, a setting button 304, and a device field 306. The device field 306 is a field that displays information about a printer registered in the terminal device 100 as a printer that executes a print function via the application 142. The device field 306 also functions as a button for searching for a printer to be registered in the terminal device 100. As shown in FIG. 3, when a printer is not registered in the terminal device 100, the character string "Not Selected" is displayed in the device field 306. On the other hand, when a printer is registered in the terminal device 100, the device field 306 displays the device ID of the printer, etc.

[0025] When the application 142 accepts the selection of the device field 306, the application 142 executes a search process for searching for a printer belonging to the LAN4. Specifically, the application 142 transmits a search signal to the LAN4 for searching for a printer belonging to the LAN4. In response to transmitting the search signal to the LAN4, the application 142 receives a response signal including a model name and a device ID from each of the two printers 10A and 10B belonging to the LAN4. The application 142 uses the received response signal to display a designation screen 310 on the display unit 114. The designation screen 310 includes device buttons 312 and 314 and a cancel button. The device buttons 312 and 314 are buttons for designating a printer to be registered in the terminal device 100. The device buttons 312 and 314 are buttons corresponding to the printers 10A and 10B, respectively. When the application 142 accepts the selection of the device button on the designation screen 310, the application 142 executes the screen display process of FIG. 4.

[0026] (Screen display processing; Figure 4) The screen display process executed by the application 142 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In S10, the application 142 specifies the model name corresponding to the device button selected on the designation screen as the target model name. For example, when accepting the selection of the device button 312 on the designation screen 310 of Fig. 3, the application 142 specifies the model name "MN1" as the target model name. In the following, the printer having the target model name will be referred to as the "target printer".

[0027] In S12, the application 142 identifies country information (for example, "JP") indicating the country in which the target printer is installed, and transmits a support information request including the target model name and the country information to the management server 200. The support information request is a signal for requesting the management server 200 to transmit support information. The support information includes service information indicating whether the target printer supports multiple types of services provided by the management server 200. When the management server 200 receives the support information request from the terminal device 100, the management server 200 identifies the service information of each service by using the service table 242 in the memory 234, the target model name in the request, and the country information in the request. The management server 200 transmits the support information including the service information corresponding to each service to the terminal device 100. When the application 142 receives the support information from the management server 200, the process proceeds to S20. Since the application 142 receives the support information from the management server 200 as described above, it is not necessary to store the support information in the memory 134 of the terminal device 100. Therefore, the storage capacity of the memory 134 of the terminal device 100 can be used for other purposes.

[0028] In S20, the application 142 determines whether the target printer supports a charge service. If the charge service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S20), the application 142 proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if the charge service information is "OFF" (NO in S20), the application 142 proceeds to S30.

[0029] In S22, the application 142 displays a charge service screen on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 5, the charge service screen 320 includes a first message 322 and a registration button 324. In a modified example, the charge service screen 320 may include a cancel button. The first message 322 includes information for prompting the user to join the charge service and pay the fee. As an example, the first message 322 is "Please join the charge service and charge." This causes the user to perform an operation to join the charge service and an operation to pay the printing fee. When the registration button 324 on the charge service screen 320 is selected, a first subscription process is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200. The first subscription process includes a login process, an establishment process, a first registration process, a payment process, and the like. The login process is a process for logging in to the management server 200 using account information of the user who uses the target printer. The establishment process is a process for establishing a constant connection between the target printer and the management server 200. The constant connection is, for example, an Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) connection. The first registration process is a process for registering the device ID of the target printer (hereinafter, referred to as the "target device ID") in the first registration information of the service table 242 of the management server 200. The payment process is a process for paying the printing fee. In the first subscription process, a plurality of screen data (for example, login screen data) is transmitted from the management server 200 to the terminal device 100. The terminal device 100 uses a web view function to display the screen data received from the management server 200 on the display unit 114. Note that, if the user has already logged in to the management server 200 at the time when the first subscription process is executed, the login process is omitted. Also, if the constant connection has already been established between the target printer and the management server 200 at the time when the first subscription process is executed, the establishment process is omitted.

[0030] 4, the application 142 monitors whether the first subscription process is completed. For example, the application 142 determines that the first subscription process is completed when a notification indicating that the first subscription process is completed is received from the management server 200. When the application 142 determines that the first subscription process is completed, it determines YES in S24 and proceeds to S30.

[0031] Simultaneously with the monitoring in S20, the application 142 determines in S30 whether the target printer supports the remote printing service. If the remote printing service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S30), the application 142 proceeds to S32. On the other hand, if the remote printing service information is "OFF" (NO in S30), the application 142 proceeds to S40.

[0032] In S32, the application 142 displays a remote printing service screen on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 6, the remote printing service screen 330 includes a second message 332, a registration button 334, and a cancel button 336. The second message 332 indicates the contents of the remote printing service. As an example, the second message 332 is "Subscribing to the remote printing service allows you to perform printing using the printer from outside the home." When the registration button 334 on the remote printing service screen 330 is selected, a second subscription process is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200. The second subscription process includes a login process, an establishment process, a second registration process, and the like. The second registration process is a process for registering the target device ID in the second registration information of the service table 242 of the management server 200. In the second subscription process, the login process and the establishment process may be omitted, as in the first subscription process.

[0033] 4, the application 142 monitors whether the second subscription process is completed or whether a cancel operation is accepted. For example, the application 142 determines that the second subscription process is completed when a notification indicating that the second subscription process is completed is received from the management server 200. Also, for example, the application 142 determines that a cancel operation is accepted when the application 142 accepts selection of the cancel button 336 on the remote printing service screen 330. When the application 142 determines that the second subscription process is completed or that a cancel operation is accepted, the application 142 determines YES in S34 and proceeds to S40.

[0034] Simultaneously with monitoring S20 and S30, the application 142 determines in S40 whether the target printer supports a subscription service. If the subscription service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S40), the application 142 proceeds to S42. On the other hand, if the subscription service information is "OFF" (NO in S40), the application 142 proceeds to S50.

[0035] In S42, the application 142 displays a subscription service screen on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 7, the subscription service screen 340 includes a third message 342, a registration button 344, and a cancel button 346. The third message 342 indicates the content of the subscription service. As an example, the third message 342 may include a message saying "Register for subscription service." When you subscribe, you can use printing at a fixed rate." When the registration button 344 on the subscription service screen 340 is selected, a third subscription process is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200. The third subscription process includes a login process, an establishment process, a third registration process, and the like. The third registration process is a process for registering the device ID of the target printer in the third registration information in the service table 242 of the management server 200. Note that in the third subscription process, as in the first and second subscription processes, the login process and the establishment process may be omitted.

[0036] 4, the app 142 monitors whether the third subscription process is completed or whether a cancel operation is accepted. For example, the app 142 determines that the third subscription process is completed when it receives a notification from the management server 200 indicating that the third subscription process is completed. Also, for example, the app 142 determines that a cancel operation is accepted when it accepts selection of the cancel button 346 on the subscription service screen 340. When the app 142 determines that the third subscription process is completed or that a cancel operation is accepted, it determines YES in S44 and proceeds to S50.

[0037] In S50, the application 142 executes a device registration process for registering the target printer in the terminal device 100. The application 142 registers the model name and device ID of the target printer. is stored in the memory 134.

[0038] In S52, the application 142 displays a home screen on the display unit 114. The target device ID is displayed in the device field of the home screen displayed in S52. When S52 ends, the application 142 ends the process in FIG.

[0039] (Specific cases A and B; Figure 8) Specific cases A and B realized by the communication system 2 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0040] (Case A; Figure 8) With reference to FIG. 8, a case A in which the printer 10A is registered in the terminal device 100 will be described. In the initial state of the case A, no printer is registered in the terminal device 100. A designation screen 310 (see FIG. 3) is displayed on the display unit 114 of the terminal device 100. Account information AC1 is stored in the user table 244 of the management server 200, and the first registration information, the second registration information, and the third registration information stored in association with the account information AC1 are empty. An XMPP connection is not established between the printer 10A and the management server 200, and a user has not logged in to the management server 200. In the following, the operations executed by the CPU (e.g., CPU 132) of each device will be described with the CPU as the subject, but with the device (e.g., the terminal device 100, etc.) as the subject.

[0041] At T10, the user selects the device button 312 (i.e., the device ID "DV1") on the designation screen 310. As a result, the terminal device 100 identifies the model name "MN1" corresponding to the device button 312 as the target model name (S10 in FIG. 4), and at T12, transmits a support information request including the model name "MN1" and country information "JP" to the management server 200 (S12).

[0042] When the management server 200 receives a support information request from the terminal device 100 at T12, it identifies the model name "MN1" and the country information "JP" in the request. The management server 200 identifies that the charge service information "ON", the remote printing service information "ON", and the subscription service information "OFF" are stored in the service table 242 in association with the identified model name "MN1" and country information "JP". At T14, the management server 200 transmits support information including the identified charge service information "ON", the remote printing service information "ON", and the subscription service information "OFF" to the terminal device 100.

[0043] When the terminal device 100 receives support information from the management server 200 in T14 (S12), it determines that the charge service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S20). In this case, the management server 200 displays a charge service screen (see FIG. 5) in T20 (S22). The user selects the registration button on the charge service screen in T22. As a result, a first subscription process is executed between the terminal device 100, the management server 200, and the printer 10A in T24. In this case, the first subscription process including a login process, an establishment process, a first registration process, and a payment process is executed. As a result, the device ID "DV1" is stored in the first registration information associated with the account information AC1 in the service table 242 of the management server 200. In addition, the first service flag 42 of the printer 10A is changed from "OFF" to "ON". As a result, the user can use the charge service and can use the printing function of the printer 10A.

[0044] When the terminal device 100 determines that the first subscription process is completed (YES in S24), it determines that the remote printing service information in the support information is "ON" (YES in S30), and displays the remote printing service screen (see FIG. 6) in T30 (S32). The user selects the registration button on the remote printing service screen in T32. As a result, in T34, the second subscription process is executed between the terminal device 100, the management server 200, and the printer 10A. Since the login process and the establishment process have been executed in the first subscription process, the login process and the establishment process are omitted in the second subscription process in this case. Therefore, in the second subscription process in this case, the second registration process is executed. As a result, the device ID "DV1" is stored in the second registration information associated with the account information AC1 in the service table 242 of the management server 200. As a result, the user can use the remote printing service.

[0045] When the terminal device 100 determines that the second subscription process is complete (YES in S34), it determines that the subscription service information in the received support information is "OFF" (NO in S40). In this case, the terminal device 100 executes a device registration process to register the printer 10A in the terminal device 100 without displaying the remote printing service screen in T40 (S50). Specifically, the terminal device 100 stores the model name "MN1" and the device ID "DV1" in the memory 134. Next, the terminal device 100 displays a home screen in which the device ID "DV1" is displayed in the device column in T42. In this way, the printer 10A is registered in the terminal device 100, and subscription to the charge service and remote printing service is completed. As described above, when the target printer is the first dedicated printer, the charge service screen is displayed preferentially over the remote printing service screen.

[0046] (Effect of Case A) A possible method for displaying the charge service screen with priority over the remote printing service screen is to display both the charge service screen and the remote printing service screen on the display unit 114, and to display the charge service screen with more emphasis than the remote printing service screen. As described above, the terminal device 100 displays the remote printing service screen after the charge service screen is displayed, thereby displaying the charge service screen with priority over the remote printing service screen. In this case, the user can more easily recognize the charge service screen, as compared to a configuration in which both the charge service screen and the remote printing service screen are displayed on the display unit 114.

[0047] Furthermore, the terminal device 100 displays a charge service screen when accepting the selection of the printer 10A on the designation screen. With this configuration, it is possible to increase the likelihood that the user will view the charge service screen.

[0048] (Case B; Figure 8) 8, a description will be given of case B in which the printer 10B is registered in the terminal device 100. The initial state of case B is similar to the initial state of case A.

[0049] In T110, the user selects the device button 314 (i.e., the device ID "DV2") on the designation screen 310. As a result, the terminal device 100 identifies the model name "MN2" corresponding to the device button 314 as the target model name (S10 in FIG. 4), and in T112, transmits a support information request including the model name "MN2" and country information "JP" to the management server 200.

[0050] When the management server 200 receives the support information request from the terminal device 100 in T112, it identifies the model name "MN2" and the country information "JP" in the request. The management server 200 identifies that the charge service information "OFF", the remote printing service information "ON", and the subscription service information "ON" are stored in the service table 242 in association with the identified model name "MN2" and country information "JP". In T114, the management server 200 transmits support information including the identified charge service information "OFF", the remote printing service information "ON", and the subscription service information "ON" to the terminal device 100.

[0051] When the terminal device 100 receives support information from the management server 200 in T114 (S12), it determines that the charge service information in the received support information is "OFF" (NO in S20) and determines that the remote printing service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S30). In this case, the terminal device 100 displays the remote printing service screen (see FIG. 6) in T120 without displaying the charge service screen (S32). The user selects the registration button on the remote printing service screen in T122. As a result, the second subscription process is executed between the terminal device 100, the management server 200, and the printer 10A in T124. In this case, the second subscription process including the login process, the establishment process, and the second registration process is executed. As a result, the device ID "DV1" is stored in the second registration information associated with the account information AC1 in the service table 242 of the management server 200. As a result, the user becomes able to use the remote printing service.

[0052] When the terminal device 100 determines that the second subscription process is completed (YES in S34), it determines that the subscription service information in the received support information is "ON" (YES in S40). In this case, the terminal device 100 displays the subscription service screen (see FIG. 7) in T130 (S42). The user selects the registration button on the subscription service screen in T132. As a result, the third subscription process is executed between the terminal device 100, the management server 200, and the printer 10A in T134. Since the login process and the establishment process have been executed in the second subscription process, the login process and the establishment process are omitted in the third subscription process in this case. Therefore, the third registration process is executed in the third subscription process in this case. As a result, the device ID "DV3" is stored in the third registration information associated with the account information AC1 in the service table 242 of the management server 200. As a result, the user becomes able to use the subscription service.

[0053] When the terminal device 100 determines that the third subscription process is complete (YES in S44), in T140, it executes a device registration process to register the printer 10B in the terminal device 100 (S50). Specifically, the terminal device 100 stores the model name "MN2" and the device ID "DV2" in the memory 134. Next, in T142, the terminal device 100 displays a home screen on which the device ID "DV2" is displayed in the device column. In this way, the printer 10B is registered in the terminal device 100, and the user's subscription to the remote printing service and subscription service is completed. As described above, when the target printer is the first general-purpose printer, the remote printing service screen is displayed with priority over the subscription service screen.

[0054] (Effect of Case B) As described above, the terminal device 100 does not display the charge service screen when the target printer is the first general-purpose printer. The first general-purpose printer cannot receive the charge service. Therefore, information related to the charge service is unnecessary for the user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent information unnecessary for the user from being displayed.

[0055] In addition, a service that does not require a fee is more likely to be beneficial to a user than a service that requires a fee. According to the above configuration, the terminal device 100 displays a remote printing service screen corresponding to a remote printing service that is a service that does not require a fee in preference to a subscription service screen corresponding to a subscription service that is a service that requires a fee. This improves user convenience.

[0056] Furthermore, the terminal device 100 displays a charge service screen and a remote printing service screen when the target printer is the first dedicated printer, and displays a remote printing service screen and a subscription service screen when the target printer is the first general-purpose printer. When the target printer is the first dedicated printer, information related to the subscription service is unnecessary for the user. When the target printer is the first general-purpose printer, information related to the charge service is unnecessary for the user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent information unnecessary for the user from being displayed.

[0057] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, when the terminal device 100 receives the designation of the target printer and the target printer is the first dedicated printer, the charge service screen is displayed preferentially over the remote printing service screen. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the charge service screen. In this embodiment, when the target printer is the first dedicated printer, the execution of the print function is permitted on the condition that the device ID of the target printer is registered in the management server 200 as a printer that receives the charge service. Therefore, the print function of the target printer cannot be used until the device ID of the target printer is registered in the management server 200. According to the above configuration, the user can easily recognize the charge service screen, so that the possibility of the user performing the operation required to register the device ID of the target printer in the management server 200 can be increased. Therefore, the user's convenience is improved.

[0058] (Correspondence) The control unit 130 of the terminal device 100 is an example of a "control device". The printers 10A and 10B are examples of a "specific printing device". The first dedicated printer is an example of a "first type of printing device". The charge service and the charge service screen are examples of a "first service" and a "first service screen", respectively. The remote printing service and the remote printing service screen are examples of a "second service" and a "second service screen", respectively. The display unit 114 of the terminal device 100 is an example of a "display unit". The device ID "DV1" of the printer 10A is an example of a "first device information". The first general-purpose printer is an example of a "second type of printing device". The subscription service and the subscription service screen are examples of a "third service" and a "third service screen", respectively. The model name "MN1" of the printer 10A at T12 in FIG. 8 is an example of a "second device information". The support information and the support information request are examples of a "type information" and a "type information request", respectively. The management server 200 is an example of a “second server.” The device ID “DV1” of the printer 10A in T40 of FIG.

[0059] The process of accepting the designation of a device on the device designation screen is an example of a process executed by a “reception unit.” S22 in FIG.

[0060] (Second Example) A communication system 2 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Note that configurations common to the embodiments will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0061] 1, a communication system 2 of this embodiment includes printers 10C and 10D instead of the printers 10A and 10B. The printers 10C and 10D are connected to a LAN 4.

[0062] In this embodiment, there are multiple types of printers including a second dedicated printer and a second general-purpose printer. The second dedicated printer is a printer that can receive subscription services and remote printing services, but cannot receive charge services. The second dedicated printer is allowed to execute a print function on the condition that the device ID of the printer is registered in the management server 200 as a printer that receives subscription services. That is, the second dedicated printer cannot execute a print function unless the device ID of the printer is registered in the management server 200 as the third registration information. Note that the second dedicated printer is allowed to execute a print function as long as the device ID of the printer is registered in the management server 200 as a printer that receives subscription services, even if the device ID is not registered in the management server 200 as a printer that receives remote printing services. The second general-purpose printer is a printer that can receive remote printing services and charge services, but cannot receive subscription services. The second general-purpose printer is allowed to execute a print function even if the device ID of the printer is not registered in the management server 200 as a printer that receives services.

[0063] The printer 10C has the same configuration as the printer 10A of the first embodiment, except that it has a model name "MN3" and a device ID "DV3", is a second dedicated printer, and stores a second service flag 42C. The second service flag 42C indicates either a value of "ON" indicating that the printer 10C is in a provision state in which a subscription service is provided, or a value of "OFF" indicating that the printer 10C is in a non-provision state in which a subscription service is not provided. When the printer 10C is purchased, the second service flag 42C is set to "OFF". In other words, when the printer 10C is purchased, the execution of the printing function of the printer 10C is prohibited.

[0064] The printer 10D has a similar configuration to the printer 10A of the first embodiment, except that it has a model name "MN4" and a device ID "DV4" and is a second general-purpose printer. Since the printer 10D is a second general-purpose printer, execution of the printing function of the printer 10D is permitted at the time of purchase of the printer 10D.

[0065] (Screen display process; Figure 9) The screen display process of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. S110, S112, and S120 are respectively similar to S10, S12, and S40 in Fig. 4. If the application 142 determines YES in S120, it proceeds to S122, and if the application 142 determines NO in S120, it proceeds to S130.

[0066] In S122, the application 142 displays a subscription service screen on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 10, the subscription service screen 360 of this embodiment includes a fourth message 362 and a registration button 364. That is, the subscription service screen 360 does not include a cancel button. In a modified example, the subscription service screen 360 may include a cancel button. The fourth message 362 is a message for encouraging the user to subscribe to the subscription service. As an example, the fourth message 362 is "Please subscribe to the subscription service." When the registration button 364 on the subscription service screen 360 is selected, a third subscription process is executed.

[0067] 9, the application 142 monitors whether the third service subscription process is completed. If the application 142 determines that the third service subscription process is completed, the application 142 determines YES in S124 and proceeds to S130.

[0068] S130 to S134 and S140 are the same as S30 to S34 and S20 in Fig. 4. If the application 142 determines YES in S140, it proceeds to S142, and if the application 142 determines NO in S140, it proceeds to S150.

[0069] In S142, the application 142 displays a charge service screen on the display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 11, the charge service screen 370 of this embodiment includes a fifth message 372, a registration button 374, and a cancel button 376. The fifth message 372 is a message indicating the contents of the charge service. As an example, the fifth message 372 is "By subscribing to the charge service, you can use printing according to your charge." When the registration button 374 on the charge service screen 370 is selected, a first subscription process is executed.

[0070] 9, the application 142 monitors whether the first subscription process is completed or whether a cancel operation is accepted. For example, the application 142 determines that a cancel operation is accepted when the application 142 accepts the selection of the cancel button 376 on the charge service screen 370. When the application 142 determines that the first subscription process is completed or that a cancel operation is accepted, the application 142 determines YES in S144 and proceeds to S150. S150 and S152 are the same as S50 and S52 in FIG. 4, respectively.

[0071] As described above, in the screen display process of this embodiment, the subscription service screen is configured to be displayed with priority over the remote printing service screen, and the remote printing service screen is configured to be displayed with priority over the charge service screen.

[0072] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, when the terminal device 100 receives the designation of the target printer and the target printer is the second dedicated printer, the terminal device 100 displays the subscription service screen preferentially over the remote printing service screen. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the subscription service screen. In this embodiment, when the target printer is the second dedicated printer, the execution of the print function is permitted on the condition that the device ID of the target printer is registered in the management server 200 as a printer that receives the subscription service. Therefore, the print function of the target printer cannot be used until the device ID of the target printer is registered in the management server 200. According to the above configuration, the user can easily recognize the subscription service screen, so that the possibility of the user performing the operation required to register the device ID of the target printer in the management server 200 can be increased. Therefore, the user's convenience is improved.

[0073] (Correspondence) The second dedicated printer is an example of a "first type of printing device." The subscription service and the subscription service screen are examples of a "first service" and a "first service screen," respectively. The remote printing service and the remote printing service screen are examples of a "second service" and a "second service screen," respectively. The second general-purpose printer is an example of a "second type of printing device." The charge service and the charge service screen are examples of a "third service" and a "third service screen," respectively.

[0074] The process of accepting the designation of a device on the device designation screen is an example of a process executed by a “reception unit.” S122 in FIG.

[0075] 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.

[0076] (First Modification) An application program for the management server 200 may be stored in the memory 234 of the management server 200. In the communication system of this modification, a screen data transmission process of FIG. 12 is executed instead of the screen display process of FIG. 4 and FIG. 9.

[0077] (Screen data transmission process; Figure 12) A screen data transmission process executed by the application of the management server 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. In this modification, when a device button in the designation screen 310 is selected, the application 142 of the terminal device 100 transmits to the management server 200 a model name and a device ID corresponding to the button. When the application of the management server 200 receives the model name and the device ID from the terminal device 100, it starts the process of Fig. 12. Note that, in the following, when the terminal device 100 receives screen data from the management server 200, it uses a web view function to display a screen corresponding to the screen data.

[0078] In S210, the application uses the service table 242 in the memory 234, the received model name, and the received country information to identify the service information corresponding to each service.

[0079] In S220, the application determines whether the specified charging service information is "ON". If the charging service information is "ON" (YES in S210), the application proceeds to S222. On the other hand, if the charging service information is "OFF" (NO in S210), the application proceeds to S222.

[0080] In S222, the application transmits charge service screen data corresponding to the charge service screen to the terminal device 100. When the terminal device 100 receives the charge service screen data from the management server 200, it displays the charge service screen. When the registration button on the charge service screen is selected, a first subscription process is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200.

[0081] In S224, the application monitors whether the first subscription process is completed. If the application determines that the first subscription process is completed, the application judges YES in S224 and proceeds to S230.

[0082] Simultaneously with the monitoring in S220, the application determines in S230 whether the identified remote printing service information is "ON". If the remote printing service information is "ON" (YES in S230), the application proceeds to S232. On the other hand, if the remote printing service information is "OFF" (NO in S230), the application proceeds to S240.

[0083] In S232, the application transmits remote printing service screen data corresponding to the remote printing service screen to the terminal device 100. When the terminal device 100 receives the remote printing service screen data from the management server 200, it displays the remote printing service screen. When the registration button on the remote printing service screen is selected, a second joining process is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200.

[0084] In S234, the application monitors whether the second subscription process is completed or whether a cancel operation is accepted. For example, the application determines that a cancel operation is accepted when it receives information indicating that the selection of the cancel button on the remote printing service screen has been accepted from the terminal device 100. When it determines that the second subscription process is completed or that a cancel operation has been accepted, the application determines YES in S234 and proceeds to S240.

[0085] Simultaneously with monitoring S220 and S230, the application determines in S240 whether the identified subscription service information is "ON". If the subscription service information is "ON" (YES in S240), the application proceeds to S242. On the other hand, if the subscription service information is "OFF" (NO in S240), the application proceeds to S250.

[0086] In S242, the application transmits subscription service screen data corresponding to the subscription service screen to the terminal device 100. When the terminal device 100 receives the subscription service screen data from the management server 200, it displays the subscription service screen. When the registration button on the subscription service screen is selected, a third subscription process is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200.

[0087] In S244, the app monitors whether the third subscription process is completed or whether a cancel operation is accepted. For example, the app determines that a cancel operation has been accepted when it receives information indicating that selection of a cancel button on the subscription service screen has been accepted from the terminal device 100. When it determines that the third subscription process is completed or that a cancel operation has been accepted, the app determines YES in S244 and proceeds to S250.

[0088] In S250, the app transmits a completion notification indicating that transmission of the service screen data has been completed to the terminal device 100. Upon receiving the completion notification from the management server 200, the terminal device 100 executes a device registration process. Upon completion of S250, the app terminates the process in Fig. 12. With this configuration as well, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0089] In this modification, the control unit 230 of the management server 200 is an example of a "control device."

[0090] (Second Modification) The "first device information" and the "third device information" are not limited to the device ID of the printer, and may be the serial number, MAC address, etc. of the printer. Also, the "second device information" is not limited to the model name of the printer, and may be the serial number, MAC address, etc. of the printer.

[0091] (Third Modification) In the first embodiment, the terminal device 100 may simultaneously display a charge service screen and a remote printing service screen on the display unit 114. In this modification, the terminal device 100 may display the charge service screen preferentially over the remote printing service screen, for example by displaying the charge service screen more emphasized than the remote printing service screen. In the second embodiment as well, the terminal device 100 may simultaneously display a subscription service screen and a remote printing service screen on the display unit 114. In this modification, the terminal device 100 may display the subscription service screen preferentially over the remote printing service screen, for example by displaying the subscription service screen more emphasized than the remote printing service screen.

[0092] (Fourth Modification) In the first embodiment, the terminal device 100 may display the charge service screen in preference to the remote printing service screen even when the target printer is the first general-purpose printer. In this modification, S20 and S30 can be omitted. In this case, the application 142 of the terminal device 100 executes S22 after S12. In the second embodiment, the terminal device 100 may display the subscription service screen in preference to the remote printing service screen even when the target printer is the second general-purpose printer.

[0093] (Fifth Modification) In the first embodiment, the terminal device 100 may display a subscription service screen corresponding to a subscription service, which is a service for which charges are required, in preference to a remote printing service screen corresponding to a remote printing service, which is a service for which charges are not required. In this modification, the application 142 executes S40 when determining NO in S20 or YES in S44 in FIG. 4. The application 142 executes S30 when determining NO in S40 or YES in S44. The application 142 executes S50 when determining NO in S30 or YES in S34. In the second embodiment as well, the terminal device 100 may display a charge service screen corresponding to a charge service, which is a service for which charges are required, in preference to a remote printing service screen corresponding to a remote printing service, which is a service for which charges are not required.

[0094] (Sixth Modification) In the first embodiment, the application 142 may display the subscription service screen even when the target printer is the first dedicated printer, and may display the charge service screen even when the target printer is the first general-purpose printer. In this modification, S20, S30, and S40 in FIG. 4 can be omitted. After S12, the application 142 executes S22, S24, S32, S34, S42, S44, S50, and S52. Also in the second embodiment, the application 142 may display the charge service screen even when the target printer is the second dedicated printer, and may display the subscription service screen even when the target printer is the second general-purpose printer.

[0095] (Seventh Modification) In each of the above embodiments, even if the model name is the same, if the country information is different, the supported services are different. Therefore, in S12 of FIG. 2, the application 142 receives support including multiple pieces of service information from the management server 200. If the model name is the same, regardless of the country information, in an environment in which the supported services are the same, in S12, the application 142 may receive information from the management server 200 indicating that the target printer is a first dedicated model or a first general-purpose model.

[0096] (Eighth Modification) In the service table 242 of the management server 200, in the service information associated with a specific model (e.g., "MN1") and specific country information (e.g., "JP"), both the charge service information and the subscription service information may be set to "ON". In this modification, the first dedicated printer can be provided with the charge service and the subscription service. In this modification, when the application 142 accepts the selection of the printer 10A on the designation screen, it may receive support information including the charge service information "ON", the remote printing service, information "OFF", and the subscription service information "ON" from the management server 200 (S12 in FIG. 2). In this case, the application 142 displays the subscription service screen after displaying the charge service screen (S22, S42 in FIG. 4). That is, the application 142 displays the charge service screen with priority over the subscription service screen. In this modification, the charge service, which is a service that is the subject of a charge, and the subscription service, which is a service that is the subject of a charge, are examples of the "first service" and the "second service", respectively.

[0097] (Ninth Modification) In each embodiment, a charge service, a remote printing service, and a subscription service are provided by the management server 200. The charge service, the remote printing service, and the subscription service may be provided by a first service server, a second service server, and a third service server, respectively. Also, the service table 242 may be stored in a server different from the first service server, the second service server, and the third service server.

[0098] (Tenth Modification) The service table 242 of the management server 200 may not include "country information." In another modification, the service table 242 may include, instead of country information, language information, information indicating a wider range than the country information, or information indicating a narrower range than the country information (such as a city).

[0099] (Eleventh Modification) The management server 200 may further provide a notification service that transmits notification information (e.g., discount information) related to the printer. In this modification, the application 142 of the terminal device 100 may display a notification service screen including a message indicating the notification service, a registration button, and a cancel button on the display unit 114 after YES in S40 of FIG. 4 or after YES in FIG. S44. When the registration button on the screen is selected, a fourth subscription process corresponding to the notification service is executed between the target printer, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200.

[0100] (Twelfth Modification) In the above embodiments, the application 142 has been described as a so-called native application installed in the terminal device 100, but the application 142 may be a web application or a cloud application. The application 142 may be an application realized by a combination of at least two of a native application, a web application, and a cloud application. Examples of the above combinations include a combination of a native application and a web application (a so-called hybrid application), a combination of a native application and a cloud application, a combination of a web application and a cloud application, or a combination of a native application, a web application, and a cloud application.

[0101] (13th Variation) In each of the above embodiments, the processes in Figures 4, 8, and 9 are realized by software (e.g., programs 40, 140, 142, 240), but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0102] 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 itself has technical utility.

[0103] 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: (Item 1) A computer program for a control device, comprising: The computer of the control device is composed of the following parts: a reception unit that receives a designation of a specific printing device; a display control unit that, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a first type of printing device, causes a first service screen indicating a first service to be displayed on a display unit in preference to a second service screen indicating a second service different from the first service, the first type of printing device being a printing device that is capable of receiving the first service and is permitted to execute a printing function on the condition that first device information regarding the specific printing device is registered in a first server that provides the first service; A computer program that functions as a (Item 2) The computer program of item 1, wherein the display control unit, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is the first type of printing device, causes the display unit to display the first service screen, and after the first service screen is displayed, causes the display unit to display the second service screen. (Item 3) the display control unit, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a second type of printing device, causes the display unit to display the second service screen without causing the display unit to display the first service screen; 3. The computer program according to item 1 or 2, wherein the second type of printing device is a printing device that is unable to receive the first service. (Item 4) The display control unit is Item 3. The computer program according to item 3, wherein when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is the second type of printing device, the second service screen is displayed on the display unit in priority to a third service screen indicating a third service different from the first service and the second service. (Item 5) 5. The computer program according to item 4, wherein the third service screen is not displayed when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is the first type of printing device. (Item 6) The second service is a non-chargeable service; 5. The computer program of claim 4, wherein the third service is a service for which charges are incurred. (Item 7) The control device is a control unit of a terminal device, The computer program further causes the computer to a type information request sending unit that sends a type information request including second device information related to the specific printing device to a second server when the designation of the specific printing device is accepted; a type information receiving unit that receives type information from the second server in response to the type information request being transmitted to the second server; Functioning as a The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit causes the first service screen to be displayed on the display unit in priority over the second service screen when the type information indicates that the specific printing device is the first type of printing device. (Item 8) The computer further comprises: A transmitter for transmitting a search signal; a response signal receiving unit that receives a response signal from each of a plurality of types of printing devices in response to the search signal being transmitted; a second display control unit that, when the response signal is received from each of the plurality of types of printing devices, causes the display unit to display a designation screen for designating one printing device from among the plurality of types of printing devices; when the designation of the specific printing device is accepted on the designation screen, functioning as a storage control unit that stores third device information related to the specific printing device in the terminal device; 8. The computer program according to item 7, wherein the accepting unit accepts the designation of the specific printing device on the designation screen. (Item 9) 9. The computer program product according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the first service is a service in which a fee paid in advance by a user is deducted each time a printing function is executed. (Item 10) 10. The computer program product according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the first service is a service for which charges are based on the amount of usage of the specific printing device in a predetermined period of time. (Item 11) 11. The computer program of claim 1, wherein the second service is a non-chargeable service. (Item 12) 12. The computer program of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second service is a service subject to a charge. (Item 13) A control device, a reception unit that receives a designation of a specific printing device; a display control unit that, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a first type of printing device, causes a first service screen indicating a first service to be displayed on a display unit in preference to a second service screen indicating a second service different from the first service, the first type of printing device being a printing device that is capable of receiving the first service and is permitted to execute a printing function on the condition that first device information regarding the specific printing device is registered in a first server that provides the first service; A control device comprising: (Item 14) 1. A method for controlling a control device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a designation of a particular printing device; a display control step of displaying a first service screen indicating a first service on a display unit in preference to a second service screen indicating a second service different from the first service when the designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a first type of printing device, the first type of printing device being a printing device that is capable of receiving the first service and is permitted to execute a printing function on the condition that first device information regarding the specific printing device is registered in a first server that provides the first service; A method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 2: communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10A-10D: printer, 12: operation unit, 14: display unit, 16: print execution unit, 20: communication I / F, 30: control unit, 32: CPU, 34: memory, 40: program, 42: first service flag, 42C: second service flag, 100: terminal device, 112: operation unit, 114: display unit, 120: communication I / F, 130: control unit, 132: CPU, 134: memory, 140: OS program, 142: application program, 00: management server, 220: communication I / F, 230: control unit, 232: CPU, 234: memory, 240: program, 242: service table, 244: user table

Claims

1. A computer program for a control device, comprising: The computer of the control device is composed of the following parts: a reception unit that receives a designation of a specific printing device; a display control unit that, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a first type of printing device, causes a first service screen indicating a first service to be displayed on a display unit in preference to a second service screen indicating a second service different from the first service, the first type of printing device being a printing device that is capable of receiving the first service and is permitted to execute a printing function on the condition that first device information regarding the specific printing device is registered in a first server that provides the first service; A computer program that functions as a

2. 2. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is the first type of printing device, causes the display unit to display the first service screen, and after the first service screen is displayed, causes the display unit to display the second service screen.

3. the display control unit, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a second type of printing device, causes the display unit to display the second service screen without causing the display unit to display the first service screen; 2. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the second type of printing device is a printing device that is unable to receive the first service.

4. The display control unit is 4. The computer program product according to claim 3, wherein when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is the second type of printing device, the second service screen is displayed on the display unit in priority to a third service screen indicating a third service different from the first service and the second service.

5. 5. The computer program product according to claim 4, wherein when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is the first type of printing device, the third service screen is not displayed.

6. the second service is a non-chargeable service, The computer program product of claim 4 , wherein the third service is a service for which a fee is charged.

7. The control device is a control unit of a terminal device, The computer program further causes the computer to a type information request sending unit that sends a type information request including second device information related to the specific printing device to a second server when the designation of the specific printing device is accepted; a type information receiving unit that receives type information from the second server in response to the type information request being transmitted to the second server; Function as a 2. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the first service screen to be displayed on the display unit in priority to the second service screen when the type information indicates that the specific printing device is the first type of printing device.

8. The computer further comprises: A transmitter for transmitting a search signal; a response signal receiving unit that receives a response signal from each of a plurality of types of printing devices in response to the search signal being transmitted; a second display control unit that, when the response signal is received from each of the plurality of types of printing devices, causes the display unit to display a designation screen for designating one printing device from among the plurality of types of printing devices; when the designation of the specific printing device is accepted on the designation screen, the terminal device is caused to function as a storage control unit that stores third device information related to the specific printing device; The computer program product according to claim 7 , wherein the accepting unit accepts the designation of the specific printing device on the designation screen.

9. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the first service is a service in which an amount paid in advance by a user is deducted each time a printing function is executed.

10. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the first service is a service for which a fee is charged according to an amount of usage of the specific printing device in a predetermined period of time.

11. The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein the second service is a non-fee-based service.

12. The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein the second service is a billable service.

13. A control device, a reception unit that receives a designation of a specific printing device; a display control unit that, when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a first type of printing device, causes a first service screen indicating a first service to be displayed on a display unit in preference to a second service screen indicating a second service different from the first service, the first type of printing device being a printing device that is capable of receiving the first service and is permitted to execute a printing function on the condition that first device information regarding the specific printing device is registered in a first server that provides the first service; A control device comprising:

14. 1. A method for controlling a control device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a designation of a particular printing device; a display control step of displaying a first service screen indicating a first service on a display unit in preference to a second service screen indicating a second service different from the first service when designation of the specific printing device is accepted and the specific printing device is a first type of printing device, the first type of printing device being a printing device that is capable of receiving the first service and is permitted to execute a printing function on the condition that first device information regarding the specific printing device is registered in a first server that provides the first service; A method comprising:

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