Information processor, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

To solve a problem that, when performing network settings of a compound machine necessary to communicate with a management server in order to operate the compound machine as a printing device for subscription service, it is sometimes difficult for a user to operate the compound machine as the printing device for the subscription service by himself / herself because the network settings are complicated.SOLUTION: An external apparatus 113 collects information required for activating subscription service from a compound machine 100 (S311) and transmits the information to a server 210 (S312). Furthermore, when activation to the compound machine 100 in the server 210 is successful, the external apparatus 113 transmits an activation start instruction to the compound machine 100 (S313, S314). After receiving the activation start instruction, the compound machine 100 switches an operation mode to a subscription mode (S304 and S305 in FIG. 3A).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3B

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a service has been provided that allows printing to be used for a fixed fee on printing devices (printers) such as multifunction peripherals (Patent Document 1). This service is also called a subscription service, and can be subscribed to for each multifunction peripheral, and allows printing for a fixed usage fee up to a predetermined number of pages during a period predetermined by the subscription contract. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-056970 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a user subscribes to a subscription service, various information must be sent and received between the subscription service's management server and the MFP. This is a necessary process to switch the MFP's operating state to subscription mode (a mode in which the MFP operates based on the subscription service). Even after switching to subscription mode, communication with the management server is still required to manage subscription information such as the number of pages printed and cartridge information.

[0005] In order for the MFP to communicate with the management server, the MFP's network settings must be configured. For example, an Internet connection is required to communicate with the management server, but in some cases, the user's network environment may also need to be adjusted. For example, this may involve registering exceptions to the firewall or using a specific network backbone such as a Remote Access Server (RAS). These network settings are complicated and not easy for users who are not familiar with them. This can make it difficult for users to operate their MFPs as printing devices for subscription services.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a mechanism that enables a multifunction peripheral or other printing device (printer) to easily operate as a printing device for a subscription service without having to configure network settings for the printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is an information processing device connectable to a printer, comprising: a collection means for collecting information necessary for activating a subscription service from the printer; a first transmission means for transmitting the information necessary for activating the subscription service to a management server that manages the subscription service; and a second transmission means for transmitting an instruction to start activation of the subscription service to the printer if activation of the subscription service for the printer on the management server is successful, wherein the printer switches its operating mode to a subscription mode after receiving the instruction to start activation. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily operate a multifunction peripheral or other printing device (printer) as a printing device for a subscription service without configuring network settings for the printing device (printer) such as a multifunction peripheral. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration and a hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a server. [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an external device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the software configuration of the multifunction peripheral, a server, and an external device. [Figure 3A] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process in the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the external device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3C] 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a server. [Figure 4] 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for transmitting subscription information from a multifunction device to a server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration and a hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6A] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process in a multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6B] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process in an external device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration and a hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The system according to this embodiment includes a multifunction device 100 serving as a printing device (printer) of this embodiment, a server 210, and an external device 113.

[0011] In the multifunction peripheral 100, a CPU 101 controls the entire device via an internal bus 111. To the internal bus 111, the CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a HDD 104, a communication I / F 105, a communication I / F 106, a printer I / F control unit 107, a panel I / F control unit 108, etc. are connected.

[0012] The ROM 102 and HDD 104 store programs executed by the CPU 101. The RAM 103 is used to store programs and temporary data. Note that the configuration may include other storage devices such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard) instead of or in combination with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0013] A printer I / F control unit 107 controls the printing process by a printer 109 and the like. A panel I / F control unit 108 controls an operation panel 110 to control the display of various information and input of instructions from the user.

[0014] The multifunction peripheral 100 controls transmission and reception of data to and from a server 210 (described later) over a network 112 via the communication I / F 105. Note that the connection to the network 112 may be a wired LAN connection or a wireless LAN connection. The multifunction device 100 controls transmission and reception of data to and from an external device 113 via a communication I / F 106. Note that the connection to the external device may be a wired connection using a USB cable or the like, or a wireless connection using Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct, or the like.

[0015] The server 210 functions as a management server that manages the subscription service. The external device 113 is an information processing device used by a user, and is, for example, a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, a mobile terminal such as a tablet terminal, etc. The external device 113 can be connected to the multifunction device 100 by wire or wirelessly. For example, the user can print from the external device 113 using the multifunction device 100.

[0016] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of server 210. As shown in FIG. The server 210 includes an operation unit 131, a CPU 132, a ROM 133, a display unit 134, a RAM 135, an external storage device 136, and a communication I / F 137. The above-mentioned blocks are connected to each other, for example, via an internal bus 139. In addition, in the configuration of FIG. 1B, a plurality of blocks may be configured as one block, or one block may be divided into two or more blocks.

[0017] The CPU 132 is a processor that performs overall control of the entire server 210. The ROM 133 stores programs and data executed by the CPU 132. The RAM 135 is used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 132. The external storage device 136 stores programs and various data executed by the CPU 132. The external storage device 136 is configured with an HDD, an SSD, or the like. The operation of the server 210 in this embodiment is realized, for example, by the CPU 132 reading out a program stored in the ROM 133 or the external storage device 136 into the RAM 135 and executing the program.

[0018] The operation unit 131 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse for a user to perform various input operations. The display unit 134 includes, for example, an LED (light emitting diode) and an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays a screen based on various display data. The communication I / F 137 controls transmission and reception of data via the network 112. Note that the connection to the network 112 may be a wired LAN connection or a wireless LAN connection.

[0019] The server 210 may be realized by one computer or by multiple computers. For example, the server 210 may be configured to be realized using cloud computing technology.

[0020] FIG. 1C is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of external device 113. As shown in FIG. The external device 113 includes an operation unit 141, a CPU 142, a ROM 143, a display unit 144, a RAM 145, an external storage device 146, a communication I / F 147, a communication I / F 148, and an NFC I / F 149. The above-mentioned blocks are connected to each other, for example, via an internal bus 140. In addition, in the configuration of FIG. 1C, a plurality of blocks may be configured as one block, or one block may be divided into two or more blocks.

[0021] The CPU 142 is a processor that comprehensively controls the entire external device 113. The ROM 143 stores programs and data executed by the CPU 142. The RAM 145 is used as a main memory and a work memory for the CPU 142. The external storage device 146 stores programs and various data executed by the CPU 142. The external storage device 146 is configured with an HDD, an SSD, or the like. In this embodiment, the operation of the external device 113 is realized, for example, by the CPU 142 reading out a program stored in the ROM 143 or the external storage device 146 into the RAM 145 and executing the program.

[0022] The operation unit 141 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse for the user to perform various input operations. The display unit 144 includes, for example, an LED and an LCD, and displays a screen based on various display data. The display unit 144 may have a function of accepting various input operations from the user by being configured as, for example, a touch display. In other words, the display unit 144 is an interface for accepting data input and operation instructions from the user, and may be configured as an operation panel including a physical keyboard, buttons, a touch panel, etc.

[0023] The communication I / F 147 controls transmission and reception of data via the network 112. Note that the connection to the network 112 may be a wired LAN connection or a wireless LAN connection. The communication I / F 148 controls transmission and reception of data to and from the multifunction device 100. Note that the connection to the multifunction device 100 may be a wired connection using a USB cable or the like, or a wireless connection using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or the like. The NFC I / F 149 executes short-distance wireless communication with other devices within a certain short-distance range. NFC stands for "Near Field Communication."

[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the software configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100, the server 210, and the external device 113. As shown in FIG. [Software configuration of multifunction device 100] Each unit of the multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG. 2 is realized by the CPU 101 reading into the RAM 103 a program corresponding to each unit and stored in the ROM 102 and executing the program.

[0025] The setting processing unit 201 is software that performs setting processing of the multifunction peripheral 100. When a setting processing instruction is received from the user via the operation panel 110, the communication I / F 105, or the communication I / F 106, the setting input by the user is stored in the HDD 104. Other software performs processing to read setting values ​​from the HDD 104 using the setting processing unit 201. The communication control unit 202 is software that connects to the network 112 and the external device 113 using the communication I / F 105 and the communication I / F 106 .

[0026] The subscription operation control unit 203 is software that manages the count information of the number of printed sheets and cartridge information (e.g., the amount of remaining ink) when the setting value indicating the operating mode state of the multifunction device 100 stored in the HDD 104 is a setting value indicating a state in which the device operates based on a pre-concluded contract (hereinafter referred to as the "subscription mode").

[0027] [Software configuration of server 210] The server 210 is a server that manages contract information related to user subscription services, and transmits and receives data to and from the multifunction peripheral 100 and external device 113 via the network 112. Each unit of the server 210 shown in Fig. 2 is realized by the CPU 132 loading a program corresponding to each unit stored in the external storage device 136, for example, into the RAM 135 and executing it.

[0028] The server control unit 211 manages subscription information, such as contract information for the multifunction printer, information on the number of pages printed by the contracted multifunction printer, and information on cartridges installed in the contracted multifunction printer, for each user. The communication control unit 212 connects to the network 112 using the communication I / F 137 .

[0029] [Software configuration of external device 113] The external device 113 is a device that transmits and receives information to and from the multifunction device 100 and transmits and receives information to and from the server 210. Each unit of the external device 113 shown in Fig. 2 is realized by the CPU 142 of the external device 113 reading into the RAM 145 a program (application program according to this embodiment) corresponding to each unit that is stored in, for example, the ROM 143 or the external storage device 146 and executing it.

[0030] The external device control unit 221 controls the transmission and reception of information to and from the multifunction device 100, the transmission and reception of information to and from the server 210, and instructions input by the user. The communication control unit 222 connects to the network 112 and the multifunction peripheral 100 using the communication I / F 147 and the communication I / F 148 .

[0031] Next, the subscription mode according to this embodiment will be described. As described above, the subscription mode is an operating mode in which the MFP 100 operates based on a contract concluded in advance. By setting the operating mode of the MFP 100 to the subscription mode, cartridge information such as the number of printed pages and the remaining amount of ink is managed. This information is sent to the server 210 and managed on the server 210. In the subscription mode, printing can be performed for a fixed fee up to the contracted number of pages, and when the remaining amount of ink managed by the server becomes low, a process may be performed to arrange for a replacement cartridge.

[0032] Next, the subscription mode transition process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3A to 3C. FIG. 3A is a flowchart for explaining processing (settings monitoring processing) in the multifunction device 100 of the first embodiment. The processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 loading into the RAM 103 a program corresponding to each unit stored in the ROM 102 and executing it. The processing of FIG. 3A is started when the multifunction device 100 is installed and the transition to the subscription mode is started. For example, if the operation mode is not the subscription mode when the multifunction device 100 is turned on, a message such as "Do you want to start transition to the subscription mode? Yes, No" may be displayed on the operation panel 110, and the processing of FIG. 3A may be started in response to receiving an operation corresponding to "Yes". However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0033] In S301, the setting processing unit 201 of the multifunction device 100 determines whether the multifunction device 100 is connected to the external device 113. If it is determined that the multifunction device 100 is not connected (No in S301), the setting processing unit 201 transitions to the process of S302. In S302, the setting processing unit 201 performs a process for connecting to the external device 113. At this time, a procedure for connecting to the external device may be displayed on the operation panel 110. The method for connecting to the external device may be a wired connection such as a USB cable, or a wireless connection such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct. After the process of S302, the setting processing unit 201 returns the process to S301. On the other hand, if it is determined that the external device 113 is connected (Yes in S301), the setting processing unit 201 proceeds to the process of S303.

[0034] In S303, the setting processing unit 201 transmits printer information as information required for activating the subscription service to the external device 113. The printer information includes a printer ID (for example, identification information such as a serial number) for uniquely identifying the multifunction device 100. In addition, the printer information may also include an operating state of the multifunction device 100 and cartridge information of recording agents such as ink and toner mounted on the multifunction device 100. The printer information may be transmitted via a communication I / F to which the multifunction device 100 and the external device 113 are connected, or the printer information may be displayed on the operation panel 110 to prompt the external device 113 to input. At this time, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode may be used. In addition, when prompting the external device 113 to input, this may be done before connecting the multifunction device 100 and the external device 113. When the transmission of the printer information is completed, the setting processing unit 201 transitions to the process of S304.

[0035] In S304, the setting processing unit 201 determines whether or not a subscription mode transition instruction as an instruction to start activation of the subscription service has been received from the external device 113. If it is determined that the instruction has not been received (No in S304), the setting processing unit 201 controls so as to execute the process of S304 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the subscription mode transition instruction has been received (Yes in S304), the setting processing unit 201 transitions to the process of S305.

[0036] In S305, the setting processing unit 201 performs processing to switch the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100 to the subscription mode. The setting processing unit 201 switches the operation mode to the subscription mode by saving a setting value indicating that the multifunction peripheral 100 is operating in the subscription mode in the HDD 104. Subsequent printing operations are performed in the subscription mode. When the transition to the subscription mode is complete, the setting processing unit 201 transitions to processing in S306.

[0037] In S306, the setting processing unit 201 transmits subscription mode transition completion information to the external device 113, and ends the process of this flowchart. At this time, the subscription mode transition completion information may include a printer ID, etc.

[0038] 3B is a flowchart for explaining the processing in the external device 113 of the first embodiment. The processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 142 of the external device 113 reading into the RAM 145 a program (application according to this embodiment) corresponding to each unit stored in the ROM 143 or the external storage device 146, for example, and executing it. Note that the processing of FIG. 3B is started when the external device 113 is connected to the multifunction device 100 in order to transition the multifunction device 100 to the subscription mode. For example, the processing of FIG. 3B may be started in response to the application according to this embodiment installed in the external device 113 being started and the external device 113 being connected to the multifunction device 100 via the communication I / F 148 under the control of the application. However, the processing is not limited to this.

[0039] In S311, the external device control unit 221 of the external device 113 determines whether printer information, which is information required for activating the subscription service, has been received from the multifunction device 100. If it is determined that printer information has not been received (No in S311), the external device control unit 221 controls to execute the process of S311 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printer information has been received (Yes in S311), the external device control unit 221 transitions to the process of S312. The reception method will not be mentioned. The information may be received via a communication I / F, or may be acquired by user input. The printer information may be input in advance to the external device 113 before connecting to the multifunction device 100. In this case, the printer information may be read and input from a QR code (registered trademark) or the like displayed on the operation panel 110 of the multifunction device 100.

[0040] In S312, the external device control unit 221 transmits the printer information received in S311 to the server 210. At this time, the printer information received in S311 may be transmitted with a user identifier for identifying the user. It is assumed that information such as the destination of the server 210 and the user identifier is set in advance in the application according to this embodiment that runs on the external device 113. It is also assumed that a subscription service has been previously concluded, and that information such as the name of the contractor, the consumable delivery address, and the payment method for the fee has already been registered in the server 210 in association with, for example, a user identifier, and that the user identifier is set in the application according to this embodiment. However, at this timing, the application according to this embodiment may access the server 210 to register such information. When the transmission of the above-mentioned printer information and the like is completed, the external device control unit 221 proceeds to the process of S313.

[0041] In S313, the external device control unit 221 determines whether or not a subscription mode transition instruction has been received from the server 210. If it is determined that the instruction has not been received (No in S313), the external device control unit 221 performs control so as to execute the process of S313 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that a subscription mode transition instruction has been received (No in S313), the external device control unit 221 determines that activation of the subscription service for the multifunction peripheral 100 in the server 210 has been successful, and transitions to processing in S314.

[0042] In S314, the external device control unit 221 transmits a subscription mode transition instruction to the multifunction peripheral 100 as an instruction to start activation of the subscription service, and the process proceeds to S315. In S315, the external device control unit 221 determines whether or not subscription mode transition completion information has been received from the multifunction device 100. If it is determined that the information has not been received (No in S315), the external device control unit 221 controls to execute the process of S315 again.

[0043] On the other hand, if it is determined that the subscription mode transition completion information has been received (No in S315), the external device control unit 221 transitions to the process of S316. In S316, the external device control unit 221 transmits subscription mode transition completion information to the server 210, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0044] 3C is a flowchart illustrating the processing in server 210. The processing of this flowchart is realized by CPU 132 loading a program corresponding to each unit stored in external storage device 136 into RAM 135 and executing the program.

[0045] In S321, the server control unit 211 of the server 210 determines whether printer information and the like, which is information necessary for activating the subscription service, has been received from the external device 113. If it is determined that the information has not been received (No in S321), the server control unit 211 controls to execute the process of S321 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printer information and the like have been received (No in S321), the server control unit 211 transitions to the process of S322.

[0046] In S322, the server control unit 211 registers the printer information received in S321 on the server. At this time, the user identifier, the printer ID, and the operating status of the multifunction device 100 are registered in association with each other. Furthermore, cartridge information may be linked and registered. If the registration in S322 is successful, the server control unit 211 determines that activation of the subscription service for the multifunction device 100 in the server 210 has been successful, and transitions to processing in S323.

[0047] In S323, the server control unit 211 transmits a subscription mode transition instruction to the external device 113, and transitions to the processing of S324. In S324, the server control unit 211 determines whether or not subscription mode transition completion information has been received from the external device 113. If it is determined that the information has not been received (No in S324), the server control unit 211 controls so as to execute the process of S324 again.

[0048] On the other hand, if it is determined that the message has been received (No in S324), the server control unit 211 transitions to the process of S325. In S325, the server control unit 211 registers subscription mode transition completion information in the server 210, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0049] Here, management in the server after transition to the subscription mode will be described. After the multifunction device 100 transitions to the subscription mode, the server 210 manages subscription information such as the printer ID of the multifunction device 100, the number of printed pages, and cartridge information.

[0050] Next, a process for transmitting subscription information from the multifunction device 100 operating in the subscription mode to the server 210 will be described. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the process for transmitting subscription information from the multifunction device 100 to the server 210. The process of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 loading into the RAM 103 a program corresponding to each unit stored in the ROM 102 and executing it. Note that the process of FIG. 4 is started when the subscription information is to be transmitted to the server in response to a printing operation, a periodic event, a user instruction, or the like.

[0051] In S401, the subscription operation control unit 203 of the multifunction device 100 determines whether the external device 113 is connected to the multifunction device 100. If it is determined that the external device 113 is not connected (No in S401), the subscription operation control unit 203 controls to execute the process of S401 again.

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined that the external device 113 is connected (Yes in S401), the subscription operation control unit 203 transitions to the process of S402. In S402, the subscription operation control unit 203 transmits the subscription information to the external device 113, and ends the processing of this flowchart. The subscription information is operation information such as a print log, and includes, for example, the number of sheets printed in the subscription mode and remaining amount information of consumables (e.g., ink cartridges) attached to the multifunction device 100. Furthermore, although not shown, the external device 113 that has received the subscription information transmits the subscription information to the server 210 under the control of an application according to this embodiment. That is, the application of the external device 113 transmits the operation information collected from the multifunction device 100 to the server 210 after the operation mode of the multifunction device 100 is switched to the subscription mode.

[0053] If it is determined in step S401 that the multifunction peripheral 100 and the external device 113 are not connected, the subscription operation control unit 203 may display on the operation panel 110 a message prompting the user to upload the subscription information to the server 210. Furthermore, after the operating state of the multifunction device 100 is shifted to the subscription mode, the multifunction device 100 and the server 210 may be connected via the network 112, or the subscription information may be sent directly from the multifunction device 100 to the server 210.

[0054] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to operate the multifunction peripheral in the subscription mode without configuring network settings of the multifunction peripheral. In the present embodiment, the description has been limited to the case where the multifunction device is operated in the subscription mode, but the multifunction device may be any device that has a function of executing a printing operation using consumables such as cartridges and a communication function, such as an inkjet printer or a laser printer.

[0055] Second Embodiment In the above-mentioned first embodiment, a method of using a USB cable, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi Direct as a communication I / F for connecting a multifunction device to an external device is described, but a method of using NFC (near field communication) is also considered. In the second embodiment, a method of operating in subscription mode with a multifunction device equipped with an NFC I / F will be described.

[0056] 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration and a hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are used to refer to the same components as those in FIG. 1, and the description of the same components will be omitted. The multifunction device 100 has an NFC I / F 501. The NFC I / F 501 executes short-distance wireless communication with other devices present within a certain short-distance range. The multifunction device 100 controls data transmission and reception with an external device 113 present within a certain short-distance range via the NFC I / F 501.

[0057] Although not shown in the figure to avoid redundancy, the communication control unit 202 connects to the network 112 and the external device 113 using the communication I / F 105 , the communication I / F 106 and the NFC I / F 501 .

[0058] The process of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 6A and 6B. Note that a description of the same process as in Figure 3 will be omitted. Fig. 6A is a flowchart for explaining processing (settings monitoring processing) in the multifunction peripheral 100 of the second embodiment. The processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 loading into the RAM 103 a program corresponding to each unit stored in the ROM 102 and executing it. Note that the processing of Fig. 6A, like the processing of Fig. 3A, is also started when the multifunction peripheral 100 is installed and the transition to the subscription mode is started.

[0059] In S601, the setting processing unit 201 determines whether an NFC connection with the external device 113 has been established. If it is determined that an NFC connection has not been established (No in S601), the setting processing unit 201 controls to execute the process of S601 again. At this time, the operation panel 110 may display a procedure for establishing an NFC connection with the external device. On the other hand, if it is determined that the NFC connection has been established (No in S601), the setting processing unit 201 proceeds to the process of S602.

[0060] In S602, the setting processing unit 201 transmits printer information as information required for activating the subscription service to the external device 113 via the NFC I / F 501. The printer information may be displayed on the operation panel 110 before the NFC connection is established, to prompt the external device 113 to input the printer information. When the transmission of the printer information is completed, the setting processing unit 201 transitions to the process of S603.

[0061] In S603, when the setting processing unit 201 receives a subscription mode transition instruction as an instruction to start activation of the subscription service from the external device 113 via the NFC I / F 501, the process proceeds to S604. In S604, the setting processing unit 201 performs processing to switch the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100 to the subscription mode. Since this is similar to S305 in Fig. 3A, details are omitted. Next, in S605, the setting processing unit 201 transmits subscription mode transition completion information to the external device 113 via the NFC I / F 501, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0062] Fig. 6B is a flowchart for explaining the processing in the external device 113 in the second embodiment. The processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 142 of the external device 113 loading into the RAM 145 a program corresponding to each unit stored in the ROM 143 or the external storage device 146, for example, and executing the program. Note that the processing of Fig. 6B is also started when the operation state of the multifunction peripheral 100 is shifted to the subscription mode, similar to the processing of Fig. 3B.

[0063] In S611, the external device control unit 221 of the external device 113 determines whether an NFC connection has been established with the multifunction device 100. If it is determined that an NFC connection has not been established (No in S611), the external device control unit 221 controls to execute the process of S611 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the NFC connection has been established (Yes in S611), the external device control unit 221 proceeds to the process of S612.

[0064] In S612, the external device control unit 221 determines whether or not printer information has been received as an instruction to start activation of the subscription service from the multifunction device 100. If it is determined that the printer information has been received (No in S612), the external device control unit 221 controls to execute the process of S612 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printer information has been received (Yes in S612), the external device control unit 221 proceeds to processing in S613. Note that the printer information may be received from the multifunction device 100 via the NFC I / F 501, or may be acquired in advance by a user input before the NFC connection is established.

[0065] In S613, the external device control unit 221 transmits the printer information received in S612 to the server 210. At this time, a user identifier for identifying the user may be added to the printer information received in S311 and transmitted. This is the same as S312 in Fig. 3B, so details are omitted. Next, in S614, the external device control unit 221 waits until it receives a subscription mode transition instruction from the server 210, and when it receives the instruction, it determines that the activation of the subscription service for the multifunction device 100 in the server 210 has been successful, and transitions to processing of S615. This is the same as S313 in Fig. 3B, so details are omitted.

[0066] In S615, the external device control unit 221 transmits a subscription mode transition instruction as an instruction to start activation of the subscription service to the multifunction peripheral 100 via the NFC I / F 501, and the process proceeds to S616. In S616, the external device control unit 221 determines whether or not subscription mode transition completion information has been received from the multifunction device 100 via the NFC I / F 501. If it is determined that the information has not been received (No in S616), the external device control unit 221 controls to execute the process of S616 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the signal has been received (No in S616), the external device control unit 221 proceeds to the process of S617. In S617, the external device control unit 221 transmits subscription mode transition completion information to the server 210, and ends the processing of this flowchart. Since this is the same as S316 in Fig. 3B, details are omitted.

[0067] The processing of the server in the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 3C in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. Moreover, the transmission of subscription information to the server after transition to the subscription mode is the same as the processing shown in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, except that communication with the external device 113 is performed using NFC, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to operate the multifunction peripheral in the subscription mode without configuring the network settings of the multifunction peripheral. In the second embodiment, the description has been limited to the case where the multifunction device is operated in the subscription mode, but the multifunction device may be any device that has a function for executing a printing operation using consumables such as cartridges and a communication function using an NFC I / F, such as an inkjet printer or a laser printer. Furthermore, the configuration has been described in which the external device 113 and the multifunction peripheral 100 communicate with each other based on standards such as USB, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct, and NFC, but the configuration may be such that communication is performed using other methods.

[0069] Conventionally, in order to operate a printing device (printer) such as a multifunction device as a printing device for a subscription service, communication between the multifunction device and a management server is necessary, and for this purpose, it is necessary to configure the network settings of the multifunction device. However, due to reasons such as the complexity of the network settings in the multifunction device, it may be difficult for the user to operate the multifunction device as a printing device for a subscription service by himself / herself. On the other hand, in each embodiment of the present invention, the transition of the multifunction device to the subscription mode and information management of the subscription mode state are performed via an external device. This makes it possible for the user to easily operate the multifunction device as a printing device for a subscription service by himself / herself, without configuring the network settings of the printing device such as the multifunction device.

[0070] It goes without saying that the configurations and contents of the various data described above are not limited to those described above, and the data may have various configurations and contents depending on the application and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can be embodied, for example, as a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, a storage medium, etc. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of multiple devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device. Furthermore, any combination of the above-described embodiments is also included in the present invention.

[0071] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system made up of a plurality of devices, or to an apparatus made up of a single device. The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes all configurations that combine the above-mentioned embodiments and their modifications.

[0072] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) An information processing device connectable to a printer, A collection means for collecting information required for activating a subscription service from the printer; a first transmission means for transmitting information required for activating the subscription service to a management server that manages the subscription service; a second transmission means for transmitting an activation start instruction for the subscription service to the printer when activation of the subscription service for the printer in the management server is successful, In the printer, after the activation start instruction is received, an operation mode is switched to a subscription mode. (Configuration 2) 2. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 1, further comprising a third transmission means for transmitting operation information collected from the printer to the management server after the operation mode of the printer is switched to the subscription mode. (Configuration 3) 3. The information processing device according to configuration 2, wherein the operation information includes the number of pages printed by the printer in the subscription mode. (Configuration 4) 4. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 3, wherein the operation information includes remaining amount information of consumables installed in the printer. (Configuration 5) 5. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the information required to activate the subscription service includes identification information for uniquely identifying the printer. (Configuration 6) 6. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the collecting means and the second transmitting means communicate with the printer based on a USB, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct, or NFC standard. (Configuration 7) 7. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the collection means collects information required to activate the subscription service by reading information displayed on an operation panel of the printer. (Method 1) A method for controlling an information processing device connectable to a printer, comprising: a collection step of collecting information from the printer required to activate a subscription service; a first transmission step of transmitting information required for activating the subscription service to a management server that manages the subscription service; a second transmission step of transmitting an instruction to start activation of the subscription service to the printer when activation of the subscription service for the printer in the management server is successful, a control method for an information processing apparatus, wherein, in the printer, after receiving the activation start instruction, an operation mode is switched to a subscription mode. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7.

Claims

1. An information processing device connectable to a printer, A collection means for collecting information required for activating a subscription service from the printer; a first transmission means for transmitting information required for activating the subscription service to a management server that manages the subscription service; a second transmission means for transmitting an activation start instruction for the subscription service to the printer when activation of the subscription service for the printer in the management server is successful, In the printer, after the activation start instruction is received, an operation mode is switched to a subscription mode.

2. 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a third transmission unit configured to transmit operation information collected from the printer to the management server after the operation mode of the printer is switched to the subscription mode.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the operation information includes the number of pages printed by the printer in the subscription mode.

4. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the operation information includes remaining amount information of consumables installed in the printer.

5. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information required to activate the subscription service includes identification information for uniquely identifying the printer.

6. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the collecting means and the second transmitting means communicate with the printer based on a USB, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct, or NFC standard.

7. 5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the collection means collects information required for activating the subscription service by reading information displayed on an operation panel of the printer.

8. A method for controlling an information processing device connectable to a printer, comprising: a collection step of collecting information from the printer required to activate a subscription service; a first transmission step of transmitting information required for activating the subscription service to a management server that manages the subscription service; a second transmission step of transmitting an instruction to start activation of the subscription service to the printer when activation of the subscription service for the printer in the management server is successful, a control method for an information processing apparatus, wherein, in the printer, after receiving the activation start instruction, an operation mode is switched to a subscription mode.

9. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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